CROWNSHIFT might be the new kid on the block, but the people behind the band are familiar faces. We know Daniel Freyberg, Jukka Koskinen, and Heikki Saari as a killer combo from both NAILDOWN and NORTHER. While we’ve all been patiently waiting for NAILDOWN to release new music, it seems the trio decided to go forth under a new name and start fresh. With Daniel Freyberg no longer aiming to be a lead singer, the band opted for Tommy Tuovinen as a vocalist. Internationally, Tuovinen may not be the biggest name, but within the Finnish metal scene, he has left an undeniable mark on the melodic death metal scene, most notably with MYGRAIN. The quartet is now ready to release their self-titled debut effort on May 10th, 2024, via Nuclear Blast Records.
The album’s opening track, “Stellar Halo,” begins with ambient sounds and uplifting keyboard melodies, setting the stage for what follows: a dynamic melodeath anthem bursting with positivity and energy. As the song unfolds, it becomes clear that it’s a layered track, seamlessly blending melodic hooks with progressive elements. Drawing inspiration from the likes of CHILDREN OF BODOM and NAILDOWN, “Stellar Halo” establishes a good overview of what CROWNSHIFT‘s music represents throughout the record. With its powerful composition and infectious vibe, this track is a personal highlight.
In “Rule The Show,” the sound established in “Stellar Halo” persists, propelled by intense thrashing melodic death metal fused with rich synth-driven textures. The band’s nod to Devin Townsend is apparent in the distinct vocal delivery not straying too far away from Townsend‘s signature style. Moreover, the instrumental arrangement draws inspiration from STRAPPING YOUNG LAD at times, adding depth and a little progressiveness to the overall composition.
“A World Beyond Reach,” released as one of the singles, offers a glimpse into the diverse range of this album. With its melodic undertones, moderate tempo, and subtle hints of AOR influences, it’s almost as if CHILDREN OF BODOM, SOILWORK, MNEMIC had a baby that turned out to be a huge JOURNEY fan. “If You Dare” stands out as the band’s debut single release and is arguably one of best tracks the album has to offer. In my opinion, the spotlight falls on drummer Heikki Saari, whose dynamic style shines through and is apparent in the mix.
For those who like slower melodic songs, “My Prison” is probably a feast. It does have some great elements like a really groovy bass at times, which I maybe would have hoped was a bit more prominent in the mix (although I guess that’s just my proghead brain finding it a missed opportunity). As someone who’s not the biggest fan of slower songs, “My Prison” is maybe not my favorite cut of the record, but having been released earlier as a single, it seems like listeners overall enjoy this song and the vocal harmonies are to die for, as well as the kick-ass guitar solo. Additionally, it provides a pleasant contrast to the heavy-hitting track “The Devil’s Drug,” possibly the album’s heaviest offering, leaning more towards groove metal; another song that shows a different side of the band, where Tommy Tuovinen‘s versatile vocal performance stands out.
“Mirage” is an instrumental track, mostly focused on Daniel Freyberg‘s guitar playing. The guitar tone at the very beginning is a little reminiscent of TOOL‘s “Schism”; very beautiful after which it gets a warm, AMORPHIS-esque vibe, with an outstanding melody line. The final song, “To The Other Side,” is a 10-minute banger and the lengthiest song on the record. It starts as a mid-paced melodeath track but becomes more interesting before the 1-minute mark when Heikki Saari drives the song forward. Even though it’s the longest song on the record, it does not feel too lengthy. The track flows really nicely and doesn’t feel forced, making it an interesting spin up until the very end.
The production by Rami Nykänen delivers precisely what one would anticipate from him. While Nykänen may not be the most renowned producer yet, within Finland, he has collaborated with emerging modern metal bands such as ONE MORNING LEFT, BALANCE BREACH, AWAKE AGAIN, and BLAME ME!. These bands all incorporate electronic elements, an aspect in which Nykänen excels. In my humble opinion, he stands as one of the finest up-and-coming producers, offering a modern sound to albums that sounds massive, but not excessively polished.
Overall, “Crownshift” demonstrates solid songwriting, with a couple of stand-out tracks. If there is one minor struggle I have with the album, it is just that it maybe is a little too diverse to my taste, to the point where I am starting to get a little confused about CROWNSHIFT‘s sound. But perhaps, having a band out there that is defying being put into one single genre box, is not the worst thing either. It makes it all the more interesting to see what direction the quartet will be heading in for the next release. Altogether, if you enjoy melodic metal with a big twist, then you will enjoy spinning this CROWNSHIFT‘s debut effort!
Tracklist
- Stellar Halo
- Rule the Show
- A World Beyond Reach
- If You Dare
- My Prison
- The Devil’s Drug
- Mirage
- To the Other Side
Lineup
Tommy Tuovinen: Vocals
Daniel Freyberg: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Jukka Koskinen: Bass
Heikki Saari: Drums
Label
Nuclear Blast Records
