Crescent Shield’s debut album “The Last of my Kind” was unexpectedly lauded by fans and the global metal press alike. The band was truly gratified and honored by the praise. More importantly, they were energized to know there was still an audience of passionate metalheads that appreciated new melodic heavy metal in the style and spirit of 80s legends like Mercyful Fate, Manowar, Fates Warning, and of course Priest and Maiden. The release garnered the band such attention to warrant a coveted spot on Germany’s hallowed Keep it True metal festival. KIT was everything the band hoped for as they played alongside friends and respected bands such as Helstar, Jag Panzer, and Omen.
Riding high off the events of 2007, Crescent Shield’s songwriting team of Dan DeLucie (guitar) and Michael Grant (vocals) set out forge their next true metal opus. This time out the band’s writing was more focused, and epic but every bit as metal. Their second release is a more progressive, thrashier, speedier affair with a thematic approach. Although firmly entrenched in the sound of classic melodic metal, the band strove to avoid treading the same ground as their previous album and rehashing the riffs and melodies of past acts. The thought-provoking title, “The Stars of Never Seen”, hints at something never before experienced and encompasses the album’s concept. The songs deal with journeys of discovery: from mundane tales of personal revelation (“10,000 Midnights Ago”, “Lifespan”) and emotional exploration (“My Anger” & “Temple of the Empty”) to epic tales of space travel (“The Grand Horizon”) and humankind’s resurgence after global annihilation (“Tides of Fire”). These mighty musical explorations culminate in the 9 and a half minute “The Endurance” which tells the tale of Ernest Shakleton’s doomed 1914 expedition to cross the frozen continent of Antarctica.
As with their debut, Crescent Shield has eschewed sterile modern production techniques and pursued a classic, organic sound on their latest recording. The rhythm section of Craig Anderson (drums) and Melanie Sisneros (bass) rose to the occasion delivering impassioned performances that aren’t rendered lifeless by excessive digital editing. To help attain their vision and increase the quality and authenticity of “The Stars of Never Seen”, the band employed the talents of highly regarded veteran metal producer/engineer Bill Metoyer. Dan was especially thrilled to finally work with Bill again, ten years since Destiny’s End’s debut. Once again the band was lucky enough to have the services of artist Gerry Alanguilan to create the album art. And once again Gerry has come up with a winning piece that captures the dark tone and lofty scope of this record. Crescent Shield is back with a genuine metal album of great magnitude and intensity. Though inspired songwriting, quality musicianship, and true metal spirit, Crescent Shield will send fists in the air around the world.
Here's a song from our forthcoming DVD. Live at KIT!
Here are some videos from our Mar 23rd performance in Reseda CA. Thanks Kristie for the great videos!
Slave to the Metal Horde
Lifespan (a new song)
What's the media saying about Crescent Shield?
"CRESCENT SHIELD creates a nearly flawless combination of metallic heft and memorable songwriting. 8.5/10"
Blabbermouth
"Consistently melodic yet unrepentantly and unswervingly metal, The Last Of My Kind stands proud and strong in practically all categories, especially song writing and musicianship."
Hellride Music
"Overall, The Last Of My Kind is an outstanding balance of structure, power and speed, stunningly wrapped in breathtaking artwork. 5/5 stars"
Garage Radio
"There's also something about this release's sound and production that makes it seem like a very traditional slice of american metal while also retaining the epic touches of the more european power metal. A pleasent blend to these ears as it seems epic without being too pompous and overblown. 4/5" Sounds of the Stygian
"As you can obviously tell from my lengthy, enthusiastic scribblings above, I thoroughly enjoyed The Last of My Kind, and will continue to do so for quite some time. This is a record tailor-made for fans of old-school, traditional heavy metal, and I’d say you’d be a fool not to check it out if you’ve already been impressed with Cruz Del Sur’s offerings.Definitely recommended. 5/6 Album of the Week"
Metal Review
"With production stripped down to tight musicianship, strong songwriting, powerful delivery, and six string attack, The Last of My Kind remains a consistent record of hard driving riff heavy metal. 4/5"
Ytse Jam
"The more I listen to all the tasty riffs and passages the more I think its a cd with large potiental to expose a lot of people that think metal died in 1992"
Absolute Zero Magazine
"the perfect disc for those who yearn for ‘classic metal’ but found IRON MAIDEN’s last offering lacking"
Mr. Rock
"this is a stellar exercise in clean vocals, crunching riffs and searing solos. The title track alone ensures this is unmissable. 5/5"
Rock Something
"The album also has a very analog sounding recording which definitely reinforces the old school feel of the album. The guitars aren’t extremely heavy and have a live from the amp feel that was once very common in metal. Guitars are so layered these days that you don’t get the same feel that metal albums once had. 4/5"
Unbound Zine
"Cruz Del Sur Records has definitely found a winner with Crescent Shield. Compared to Jag Panzer, Mercyful Fate and Fates Warning by their label, these guys have a lot to live up to. But folks they deliver the goods on this record with wonderful metal the way it should be played. Solid vocals, spirited drums, great guitar rhythms and more importantly clean fresh guitar solo work makes this a band to be reckoned with for sure. 8.7/10"
Hardrock Haven
"I feel that special mention must be given to the title-track. Just listen to Michael Grant’s UNBELIEVABLE performance in “The Last of my Kind” and simply try to figure why this guy isn’t considered one of the best vocalists Metal has to offer nowadays. As for the music in that song, it’s beyond imagination! An amazing Epic that is already a Classic for me! This CD slays and is one of the best releases for 2006 in general and for sure the best release for the genre. 5.5/6"
Metal Invader
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