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.