CROWN THE LOST „“Blind Faith Loyalty””

Music: Metal
Country: U.S.A.
Web site: www.crownthelost.com
Cool Songs: Defame the Hypocrites, Symbiotic, Blind Faith Loyalty

CROWN THE LOST makes a spectacular entrance with their first Cruz Del Sur release “Blind Faith Loyalty.” In 2006, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based act issued “Reverence Dies Within,” but this came without any aid from a label. I have not heard the previous album, so I have no insight on how this one compares, but “Blind Faith Loyalty” showcases a group with serious chops. The above categorization seems vague because CROWN THE LOST doesn’t adhere to a single style. CROWN THE LOST’s ten-track opus bridges aspects of modern and classic heavy metal.

The first impression made from the band’s Myspace page brought to mind NEVERMORE, which the band said they often hear, although they don’t know why. Chris Renaldi’s powerful clean voice, a plethora of guitar tricks and chunky rhythms all relate NEVERMORE, but a closer look reveals much more. Often the group relates a Swedish melodic death sound through blasting drums and Gothenburg-style riffing. Chunka-chunka guitar riffing may recall the grooves of mid-nineties albums by PANTERA and SEPULTURA. Their breakdowns even bring a hint of metal core, but the group doesn’t make boring breakdowns the focus of each song. Moreover, Renaldi’s mid range vocals are comparable to Bruce Dickinson’s new vocal style.

“Defame the Hypocrite” opens the album in a storm of guitar shred and drum fills. While this is one of the main bullet points of their sound, the vocals are what keep this constantly spinning in my player. Immersed in passionate and powerful hooks, “Defame the Hypocrite,” “Symbiotic” and “Dreaming in Reverse” all contain memorable parts to sing along too while theatrically grabbing the air, although the heights he pushes his vocal chords will most likely lead to dry choking and loss of voice.

On the instrumental side, “Bound to Wrath” and “Blind Faith Loyalty” show the band’s affinity for old school metal. The former track opens with a hard gallop combined with short melodies, but the band soon bridges the old school into the new with a slamming break down. The later track sticks with a NWOBHM lick. “Hollow Refuge” shows the band revisit the fierce thrash exhibited by early period IN FLAMES. “Finality” walks the line between melody and pummeling aggression.

“Blind Faith Loyalty” may be CROWN THE LOST’s introduction album for Cruz Del Sur, but this effort seems from a veteran band. While the album is solid on many fronts, the group could improve in a couple areas. The death metal vocals are too weak to enhance the album. Additionally, the group could add more melodies; clean guitar would work quite well. However, “Blind Faith Loyalty” is a major break out album, and the group’s youth means they’ll only mature as artists. If you’re seeking something fresh, unique and profound, pick up a copy of “Blind Faith Loyalty.”

note: 8.5/10

Tracklist

1.Defame the Hypocrites
2.Drawing the Parallel
3.Bound To Wrath
4.Symbiotic
5.Finality
6.Dreaming In Reverse
7.Privation
8.Impose Your Will
9.Hollow Refuge
10.Blind Faith Loyalty
Total playing time 54:40

Line-up

Chris Renaldi – Vocals
Joe Bonaddio – Lead Guitar
David E. Gehlke – Rhythm Guitar
Shaun Gunter – Bass
Kevin Antonacci – Drums