'Blood Red Tape' is a synthesis of two broad concepts into one unique perspective. The title combines the "red tape" often associated with bureaucracy and impedance to progress, with the "blood" that is all-too-often shed when the former brings harm to those involved. On a deeper level, 'Blood Red Tape' may be used to describe the bureacracy that exists within each of us, as members of the animal kingdom who are resistant to change and new ideas, and fearful of the unknown.

"Portal was a studio project of mine that slowly evolved out of an initial purchase of Cubase and subsequent random experimentation in by bedroom in my first year of university," says band leader Kenton Thomas, who is also lead vocalist, producer and plays guitar . "I had finished my piano studies a couple of years earlier and picked up guitar, and needed an outlet. After a year and a half learning the ropes, I finally settled on a name, brought in some musicians I knew, and we finally hit the stage in January of 2001. The current line-up has been together for the last four years, with me and Kevin Hoskin (bass, recording engineer) as the only two original members." Along with Kenton and Kevin, Portal features Ross Brooks on lead guitar and backing vocal, and Bill George on drums.

Portal's 'Blood Red Tape' represents a fusion of hard-rock, contemporary electronic elements, and a plethora of orchestral and ethnic instruments from all corners of the world, bound together in forms typical of classic progressive journeys. "I wouldn't go so far as to call it a 'concept album'," explains Kenton, "but this is the first time I've developed a CD from the top down - album title first, song themes second, lyrics third. So I guess every song has to do with 'Blood Red Tape' in one way or another, but even the meaning behind the title broadened and deepened over three years as we progressed through things."