These album overviews were originally written for Metal Edge Magazine when I was a contributor to their “Hear Us Out” CD reviews section back in 2006-2007. With the magazine wrapping up publication a few months ago, I decided to add them to the context of our PiercingMetal presentation. I felt that by doing this I would not only be raising the horns in remembrance of the magazine but would also be able to showcase just how different writing for a major publication was when it all came down to it. Since “Hear Us Out” notations were usually “100” words in length, these posts will feature several reviews each until we run out of them. The freelance writing tenure at Metal Edge Magazine was discussed on THIS LINK so please check that out when done. Here are the reviews, so “Hear Us Out”.

Crimson Glory: “Astronomica” Deluxe Edition (Metal Mind Productions)

The masks were gone and the sun had risen on former singer Midnight with the arrival of Wade Black. Yet despite the changes, Crimson Glory remained a supremely powerful Melodic Metal force. Astromonica was a great release that showed they were not all image but instead musically proficient players. The remaster includes a bonus CD of rarities (live & demo) with expanded liner notes. A must for fans of the genre when it was still new and boundless. With reunion material pending, this is a great jumping on point for those who only heard about their legend from others who lived through those early years.

Cruachan: “The Morrigan’s Call” (Candlelight Records)

If Korplikanni gets you kicking and Finntroll finds your fancy then it’s high time to “go Irish” with Cruachan who show you how it’s done on the Emerald Isle. Rich Folk melody with a truly Irish twist will get the blood and the Guinness pumping as you rock to this one. Dark Metal elements and traditional instruments join together and deliver high-energy tunes that will turn a rousing jig into a swarming mosh pit. Points on this CD make you feel like you are in a concert hall while others have you in faraway lands on open fields with good friends. Brilliant!
Continue reading Revisiting “Metal Edge” Magazine: The CD Reviews – Part 3 →