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Don't mind, if you haven't heard about Crescent Shield yet, it's a new band. But their members all came from bands which are known in the metal world. Crescent Shield are singer Michael Grant (Onward, Malakis Reign, ex-Legend Maker and ex-New Eden), guitarist Dan DeLucie (ex-Destiny's End, ex-New Eden), bassist Melanie Sisneros (Raven Mad, ex-New Eden, ex-Sinergy) and drummer Craig Anderson (ex-Ignite, ex-Engine). Musically they are based in US power metal, but there are more influences - partly from the 80's.
The album opener is called Above Mere Mortals which is an up-tempo tune which has some 80's US metal as well as some twin guitar lines which are a bit Maiden-ish. It remind me of the early days of Iron Maiden... But there is also some true metal in here. My first impression is that Michael Grant shows less variety then in Onward - but luckily only at the album opener. The lyrics are very true metal like which makes it easy to sing along, but it seems that this and the backing vocals during the refrain are just to cover up deficits in Grant vocal range... Don't get me wrong, it's well done. The following Slaves To The Metal Horde is a bit slower and Grant manages this way better. The counter part to the lead vocals in the beginning is making this one sticking out. One of the highlights is Rise Of The Red Crescent Moon which is a mid-tempo rocker. Again some reminiscences to early Iron Maiden while Grant's vocals are influenced by Geoff Tate. This song has it's own identity and shows a strong band. Especially drummer Craig Andersson and bassist Melanie Sisneros build up a solid base for DeLucie's guitar work. The title track starts with some acoustic guitar, but after about a minute they go full speed ahead - fast double bass drumming and pounding bass combined with shredded riffs. But breaks lead back to the acoustic theme for a moment. Vocals range from pleading, to pathetic and some King Diamond-like screaming - during the refrain . Later in the song they offer an epic part and returns to the opening theme as an outro. The following North Of The Winter starts powerful, but has some slow, acoustic parts. Another decent one, but... Its like they repeat themselves - in a way. Way heavier then the other songs is Await The Champion. Here the vocals have a Dio-ish touch. Also the guitar solo is 80's influenced and after several spins this one becomes one of the highlights of the album.
That they can play, they showed in their past more then once. Nothing to complain about the members skills. Personally I like vocals more up front, but it seems to be a wise decision to cover Grant's weak spots. If the band wants to hit the road they shall hire a second guitarist, coz I have my doubts that they can bring this to stage as a four-piece.
More songs like Rise Of the Red Crescent Moon and The Last Of My Kind would do them good. This is their debut and perhaps next time they offer more songs like this one... And less reminiscences to other bands. True metal fans as well as fans of modern, melodic power metal should check them out.
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