Embedded Files
CRIMSON STEEL “Show No Fear”
CRIMSON STEEL “Show No Fear”
By Dr. Abner Mality
You might suspect that a band called CRIMSON STEEL would play epic traditional heavy metal. And you would be exactly right. This is an act from North Carolina who make no secret of their liking for PRIEST, MAIDEN, QUEENSRYCHE and METAL CHURCH. They do their inspirations justice with “Show No Fear”.
One thing I note about the album is the production, which has something of a “lighter” sound to it. Sure, it’s still sharp and steely, but it doesn’t hit you with oppressive down-tuning or heavily compressed tones. It harkens back to days of yore and I appreciate that. Another item is that this is another of an increasing amount of bands featuring a talented female singer. This is becoming very noticeable for many “traditional” metal bands and I think it’s great. Back in the 80’s, there was Doro, Leather, Kate and that was about it. Now I couldn’t even name all the bands with women manning the mike. CRIMSON STEEL’s Tina Langevin has a terrific voice, clean and sharp as a well-polished sword. On the song “Purifier”, one of the male members briefly tries his hand at lead vocals and their mediocrity only makes Tina’s shine brighter.
Good metal in early DIO and QUEENSRYCHE fashion with a fantasy bent is what you’ll get here. The title track, “Dark Rider” and the excellent “Final Phase” are all propulsive true metal with a slightly progressive edge. Only letdown was the rather predictable ballad “Bleed Into One”, which still boasted Tina’s great singing and some sharp soloing.
Add CRIMSON STEEL to the list of impressive woman-fronted epic metal bands like LADY BEAST, SMOULDER and SOLICITOR!
Report abuse