Black Project – Blood Moon
Black Project – Blood Moon
Self-Released
Release Date: 29/06/2025
Review by Alun Jones
8.5/10
Change is necessary, and change is good. If we allow ourselves the chance to step away from the familiar, it can reap rewards. Such is the case with The Black Project, where Mike Rawsthorne and Geoff Lilleyman of British Rock heavyweights Crisis have stepped away from their usual band and explored something new. Along with cohorts Dean Wright Cockburn, Mike Ball and Tim Campling, this five piece have set forth on a new venture that capitalises on their considerable talent and experience.
“Blood Moon” builds on the strengths we would expect, creating a mighty hard Rock/Metal album that delivers a wide variety of songwriting expertise. From the pounding beat and chugging riff of ‘Powerglide’ with its soaring chorus to the epic feel of the self-titled track, Black Project demonstrate the wide scope of their creativity. ‘Blood Moon Rising’ features a bluesy, classic Rock vibe with plenty of thumping pace. Elsewhere, with ‘Only the Brave’, there’s a Zep style anthemic rocker with a powerful, rolling rhythm.
The musicianship and production are spot on, clean and crisp but still organic, natural sounding. Black Project obviously have a love for the majesty of the seventies greats, but they inject a healthy dose of their own style and drag it all up to date. Fans of Purple, Zeppelin and Dio will admire the ambitious breadth of composition, whilst the more energetic, no holds barred influence of Lizzy and Maiden are also keenly felt.
Far from a side hobby, “Blood Moon” captures the best of all the musicians and is never lazy or dialled in. Crisis will return, but hopefully this wander from the well trodden path will see them reinvigorated and inspired. In the meantime, Black Project have a pretty special creation of their own to celebrate. Thoroughly enjoyable, full of variety and always exciting, this is Classic Rock treated with respect but re-cast for the modern ear.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Powerglide
02. Blood Moon Rising
03. The Road
04. Rockline
05. Bend Break Burn
06. Black Project
07. Only the Brave
08. Hands Around Your Heart
LINKS:
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