Crescent Shield - Crescent Shield

Crescent Shield
Crescent Shield
Cruz Del Sur Music
8/10




Here’s a platter of fist-pumping, chest-beating metal anthems from Crescent Shield forged with a deeply traditional appeal. In terms of songwriting, this iron clad alignment follows examples from “Killers”-era Iron Maiden, early Queensryche, Mercyful Fate and to a lesser extent, those of the Kings of Metal themselves, Manowar.

There’s a retro vibe to tracks like “Burn With Life” and “Slaves To The Metal Horde” that’s hard not to enjoy and at the same time, a minimal amount of camp that’s generally associated with metal warrior music of this flavor. Testosterone levels run high as the group undertakes resonating chromatic dives and mighty, sure-footed, double-bass-driven beats.

“The Last Of My Kind” opens with ringing acoustics and a steely solo, drifting off into the distance, only to return as a driving onslaught of power before lapsing back into subdued, shining melody. Tracks such as these underscore the affinity of Crescent Shield to craft a well-rounded cut.

Beholden to what many consider to be the glory days of heavy metal, this self-titled offering will be a welcome listen to any who are drawn to sing-along capable, thunderous metal sounds.



© 2005 ERIN FOX – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED