Crescent Shield started as a side project for Destiny’s End guitarist Dan DeLucie and vocalist Michael Grant in 2000 and soon became the main focus for both musicians as Destiny’s End split up. While Crescent Shield’s first album was well received and the band seem to be making a name for themselves in the whole traditional metal scene, The Stars of Never Seen is my first taste of this band and I have to say it’s pretty good.

Right from album opener Under Cover of Shadows it’s obvious that Crescent Shield has more in common with classic heavy metal ala Mercyful Fate, Fates Warning and Jag Panzer than with any happy-happy joy-joy power metal or the flavour of the day. The Grand Horizon is a ripping heavy metal song with some interesting vocal harmonies layered over some heavy “fucking” metal riffing. This song reminds me of the first two Blind Guardian albums in feel.

Other stand out tracks include 10,000 Midnights Ago with some more interesting vocal harmonies and a subtle drum and bass interplay with another ass kicking riff, Temple of the Empty which has a very cool main riff and the epic nine minute plus The Endurance which is easily the best song on the album and the band is on top form on this song with every member pitching in to make this a true highlight in an album of some pretty high quality.

At the end of the day this sort of metal is not something I listen to very often and I’ve always felt like if I wanted to listen to traditional metal done well, then I could just stick to my favourites from the old days. Still, I have to admit that the quality on offer in The Stars Never Seen is undeniable. The band sounds in top form with Dan DeLucie’s guitar work being masterful and the rhythm section pulling off a terrific performance and giving these songs some much needed backbone. The only factor that could come in the way of enjoying this album is Michael Grant’s voice. He has a sort of original and mostly unique bellow that definitely needs some time to grasp and get used to. Bill Metoyer (Sacred Reich, Atrophy, and Trouble) wraps the music up in a comforting old school production that is just about perfect for these songs and I really have no more complaints.

This is solid old school heavy metal with balls and ambition, played well and with loads of talent and passion. I really can’t ask for anything more and Crescent Shield is an album that is well worth your time.

Label - Cruz del Sur

Year of Release - 2009