Oryginalne Japońskie wydanie z 1 bonus trackiem
Crimson Shadows is a Canadian metal act who sought to combine the extremities of death metal and the eccentricities of power metal into a sound wholly theirs to call their own. While low-key for at least a good few years of their existence, winning a contract with Napalm Records last year has upped their exposure considerably. This isn't a completely original rags-to-riches story within the metal community, but for their sake one would hope that they could really capitalize on their turn of events and maintain a stretch of longevity in the years to come... When it comes to their latest offering, it's certainly some stirring, blood-burning stuff indeed. If one took a cup of 90s-era Blind Guardian and added two spoonfuls of older Children of Bodom you'll get a metallic cocktail worth its weight in speedy harmonies. The power metal-side of things is more noticeable by way of the general flow and inherent majestic melodies. Leaning more on guitar work as opposed to an overtly symphonic approach (said approach is still there, used mainly as padding behind the riffs and leads), the songwriting is more straightforward, thrashy and impactful, relying on only a few different paths to follow as opposed to stretching itself too thin by incorporating too many layers and arrangement schemes. Such a scenario isn't a bad thing in itself, only when utilized incorrectly, and CS's more truncated method really works well for them. They aren't spinning epic yarns in the woods at night, after all; these are potent and energetic war chants and hymns that demand the listeners grab their swords and follow their charge into a battle you are sure to win, by the gods! Again sirs and madams, stirring stuff indeed... The lead growling/screaming is definitely something that sets these guys apart from the other power-oriented acts out there, and more often than not they don't necessarily clash with everything given the group's speed-laden, heavier approach, but every once in a while you'll want to hear something else in place of throat-shredding outside of the choruses and occasional bridges that pop up. Maybe a single track or so with just the clean singing? That would have been something. But that's a relatively minor complaint in the end, as the rest of the band feed from a seemingly bottomless well of zest with regard to their level of performance, running from song to song like their lives depending on playing as fast and tight as they could, and potential fans and listeners are truly rewarded for it. Not a single tempo digit is spared all through "Kings Among Men", with only a few moments where rushing rhythms dip into a more softer or groove-oriented vibe (the acoustic/synth section 3/4 of the way through "Braving the Storm", for one only to be shoved aside in favor of the more commonplace heaviness. In the arms of other, far less harmonious acts this would lead to a problematic situation, yet the sheer amount of musical substance and spirited presentation is enough to prevent it all from being a hassle to go through. In the end "Kings Among Men" was an ass-kicker I wasn't expecting. Going a step or two beyond being a simple "niche" act, I really can't wait to see what they'll bring to the table in the years to come. Congrats, you armor-clad Canucks; you've found a new ally in this war, sword at the ready. For the glory...!
