Crescent Shield - The Stars of Never Seen

July 22, 2009

Reviewer: M.J.

Crescent Shield, consisting of ex members of Destiny's End, Onward, New Eden and Seven Witches released The Last of My Kind in 2006 to a lukewarm response from critics. Considering the caliber of musicians in this outfit the expectations were high. Now three years later they have released The Stars of Never Seen. After having been together for quite some time, the ultimate question is have they delivered a release that is the realization of their promising talent?

As much as I would like to say yes I can't really do so, honestly. As hard as they have tried to rise above the extremely crowded power metal / classic metal scene and firmly stake their claim as true contenders, they are still struggling somewhere in the middle. On The Stars of Never Seen they have employed veteran producer Bill Metoyer (Slayer, Testament, Hallow's Eve, and Omen). He works hard to fashion the band in the tradition and direction of those classic bands but one can only do so much with this material.

Often the songs are mired in plodding and unexciting circular patterns. It never really gets off the ground though albeit without a lot of effort. There is a lead weight shackled to their legs and I can only chalk it up to a lack of chemistry and mostly forgettable clichéd songwriting. There is nothing here that has a spark, a fire or sense of something new and original. I find that it is mostly passionless and a paint by numbers exercise. The dynamics of the last two tracks on this album save it from being a straight to the bargain bin release.

“The Endurance” and “Lifespan” are epic and have some interesting lyrics and structures. While being somewhat inspired, it's a little to late after wading through seven tracks that offer nothing new to the Crescent Shield catalog. If Toby Knapp were to bring Onward back and offer Michael Grant the vocalist position, Mr. Grant would be a fool not to accept - considering (sadly) Crescent Shield's rather bleak future. 

Release Date: May 8th, 2009
Label: Cruz Del Sir Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Under Cover Of Shadows
2.  The Grand Horizon
3.  Tides Of Fire
4.  10,000 Midnights Ago
5.  Temple Of The Empty
6.  My Anger
7.  The Bellman
8.  The Endurance
9.  Lifespan

Total playing time:  48:59

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