H  I  S  T  O  R  Y   |   The Soil Bleeds Black


Envision a journey through ancient times of medieval life and legend. The Soil Bleeds Black explore the traditions and customs of medieval Europe with the ambition of drawing the listener into a world of the ancient past. To listen is to immerse oneself in Middle Age atmospheres and customs. One may visit the valor of knights on the battefield, savor the simplicity of common peasant life, explore the laboratory of the magician, or seek the romance of lovers, musicians, and poets. All intriguing lifestyles are given attention within the musical expressions of TSBB.



The Soil Bleeds Black was conceived in the year 1992 as a project that focused on the experimental visions of twin brothers, Mark and Michael Riddick. Over years the concepts changed as the brothers searched for a complete sound that could appropriately exhibit their transformative thoughts and interests. This endeavor reached a particular climax in the year 1994, when TSBB took on a sound of pure medieval folkloric expression. Shortly after this realization, Mark and Mike added Eugenia Wallace to their ranks. Eugenia's vocal contribution helped to bring to fruition the final elements that would make up the portrait of their endeavors. Essentially, The Soil Bleeds Black aim to convey an enchanting conglomeration of raw sound, medieval customs, and self-expression through ancient allegory, alchemical tract, and their entourage of medieval instruments.

To the present date, The Soil Bleeds Black have released a plethora of materials ranging from ornately packaged CDs and vinyl to cassettes, shirts, and stickers. Earlier works and writings incorporated a strong use of synthetics and simulated instrumentation whereas more recent writings have taken the approach of utilizing traditional instruments to create a more natural and folk-oriented sound. The writings and artwork of TSBB remain a common blend of varied emotional attitudes ranging from the jovial to the melancholic. This dynamism is an attempt to portray all aspects of the human condition as it existed during the Middle Ages.