After the impressive debut "Glory On The Battlefield" Canada's CRIMSON SHADOWS return with an impressive (EP) sure to satisfy fans of Melodic high speed Death Metal. This iron borne Toronto outfit continues their death quest for the glory of the throne. For once it is experienced; fans will surely spout the words of praise, power, and glory, while swilling the ale of their ancestors.

Clearly heeding RUNNING WILD's and IRON MAIDEN's call upon the waves, these battle hard warriors pay homage to both BLIND GUARDIAN and AMON AMARTH unto the very gates of Valhalla, prepping their dragon ships, and setting their "Sails Of Destiny".

After the intro, "Freedom And Salvation" gets the blood pumping and the fists banging. Surprisingly this is the shortest song they have penned thus far. However, if you are familiar with the furious formula the band deliver, then you know what to expect next. "Maiden's Call" continues that same majestic cry of madness as evidenced earlier on "Beyond The Mountain Wasteland".

Obvious comparisons to DRAGONFORCE and perhaps the debut album by ETERNAL LEGACY and maybe ARMORY are inevitable, however on closer glance, bands like HAMMERHORDE, earlier 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, TYR, and BLACKGUARD are better comparisons in this kingdom of metal hearts.

Each blistering cut is laced with an abundance of wicked leads and harmonized soloing.  Jimi Maltais still mixes brutal growls with plenty of clean articulations, and high pitch attenuation, balanced by even more polished vocals provided by Greg Rounding. The closing touch is the nine-minute epic "Moonlit Skies And Bloody Tides" with appropriate gang vocals and plenty of guitar dynamics at work. This will take several listens to sink it, but once it does it will leave you feeling marooned.

There is a reason why this slightly querulant, yet forever garrulous quintet are now signed to Nuclear Blast and why they were voted as the triumphant winners of the Canadian Wacken Metal Battle competition. Until they meet their journey's end, here's hoping the sales of this album help them to achieve their destiny.