There never seems to be a superfluous note or any dragging in any of the tracks. The band seem to have made sure that whatever they produce on this CD has oodles of merit. It almost makes it hard to describe how good this release is to ponder. I would venture to say it clearly places Mastodon in the same realm of talent as Opeth. This is their “Blackwater Park”, their sign to the world that they are not scared to go where ever their muse takes them.
What has never ceased to amuse me is that the vocals sound quite a bit Ozzy like, which makes a contrast to the musical content. If you need something to keep you enthralled before the next release from Opeth and Therion I would strongly encourage you to seek this out. The only question is where this lot are headed next. I shall be along for the ride I assure you.
Crescent Shield: The Stars of the Never Seen
What you have here is an impressive slab of power metal from this lot of Americans. Needless to say they have a touch of the Iced Earth about them, but there is also quite a strong Scandinavian influence about. It might have something to do with their fantasy themed lyrics.
Started as a side-project of a member of the now-defunct bands Onward and Destiny’s End, this band now has Michael Grant and Dom Deluchia’s full attention. Oh yes, and they have a female band member, on bass, which is unusual in the genre, but welcome.
That concentration seems to have pulled off in droves with this fine collection of power metal goodness. This is quality stuff without the cliché and normal copying of the majors of the genre. There are even touches of Judas Priest at its most proggy in songs like “The Grand Horizon”. There is quite a bit to sink your teeth into on this release.
Cruz del Sur seems to have a knack at finding diamonds in the rough. Unlike some labels, they continue to surprise me with quality of their metal discoveries. Crescent Shield is one of the best of a rather good bunch.
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