Very few black metal bands hailing from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus have gained much recognition in the relatively short, but prolific, history of the genre. That said, one that deserves particular attention is Godblood, which was formed in 1990 by Deceased (vocals) in Nicosia. However, it wasn’t until three years later, in 1993, when Mephisto (guitars) joined the band and they began to play live and define their sound, which to a large extent reflected the signature warm-climate black metal of their continental neighbor to the northwest, Greece. In fact, the two bands would eventually share the same stage in 1995, shortly after the release of “Non Serviam” and during the apex of Rotting Christ’s illustrious early years. Godblood released its first demo, “Flowers,” in November of 1994, and its 666 copies were spread surreptitiously outside the island’s confines by tape traders and mail-order outfits. This six-track recording is now reissued for the first time on vinyl by Nuclear War Now! in order to properly celebrate a black metal band whose geographic isolation undoubtedly prevented it from garnering the exposure it originally deserved.
