The Blood Divine
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Paul Allender, Paul Ryan, Benjamin Ryan, Darren White |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums |
The Blood Divine was a UK-based gothic metal ensemble established in 1995 by Paul Allender, siblings Paul and Benjamin Ryan, along with vocalist Darren White. Allender and the Ryan brothers had recently exited Cradle of Filth following the release of The Principle of Evil Made Flesh, while White had previously been a member of Anathema. The lineup was completed by drummer William A. 'W.A.S.' Sarginson and bassist Steve Maloney, leading to a swift contract with Peaceville Records.
Their inaugural album, Awaken, was both recorded and launched in 1996 via Peaceville. That same year, the group supported Cathedral and label colleagues My Dying Bride on a European tour. In mid-1997, they entered the studio to produce their sophomore record, Mystica. Guitarist Paul Allender departed to dedicate time to his family but eventually returned to Cradle of Filth. Released later in 1997, Mystica showcased a progression toward a classic rock-inspired progressive style. Continuing as a quintet, they toured the UK alongside Orange Goblin and performed in the Netherlands in early 1998. In an effort to refine their musical direction, keyboardist Benjamin Ryan was dismissed in April 1998, which led to Paul Ryan leaving and ultimately resulted in the band's dissolution.
In 2002, Peaceville released Rise Pantheon Dreams, a compilation encompassing selections from both albums, two previously unreleased tracks ("Revolt" and "Forever Belongs"), as well as live performances including a rendition of The Osmonds' "Crazy Horses".
Following the breakup, Allender rejoined Cradle of Filth; Sarginson had a brief tenure before the band settled on Swedish drummer Adrian Erlandsson, who was subsequently succeeded by Martin Škaroupka. Darren White went on to establish the band Serotonal in 2004.
Members
- Benjamin Ryan – keyboards, organ, vocals (1995–1998)
- Paul Ryan – guitars (1995–1998)
- Darren "Daz" White – vocals (1995–1998)
- William A. 'W.A.S.' Sarginson – drums (1995–1998)
- Steve Maloney – bass (1995–1998)
- Paul Allender – guitars (1995–1996)
Discography
- Promo Tape (Demo, 1996)
- Awaken (1996)
- Mystica (1997)
- Rise Pantheon Dreams (Compilation, 2002)