CoC : Crimson Moon - To Embrace the Vampyric Blood : Review

Crimson Moon - _To Embrace the Vampyric Blood_
(Abyss Productions, 1998)
by: Aaron McKay (5 out of 10)

I suppose there are two schools of thought on music to the listener: one dictates that you innovate your chosen genre (Sabbath comes to mind), the other dictates that you enter an established genre and be a helmsman in your own right (Hypocrisy). Crimson Moon is definitely following the path of the latter -- and struggling. I -wanted- to like this disc a lot more than I did. Damn, near a dozen times I kicked back with a cup o' joe and threw in _TEtVB_. Over and again I came back to the same notion that this release is reminiscent of early Ancient. In no way is this a bad thing or disparaging to either group -- as a matter of fact, Aphazel lends his talent on tack seven, "The Eye of the Draconis", but Crimson Moon has a feel, intentionally or otherwise, tainted with _Trolltaar_-ian overtones. Once again, imitation is the highest form of flattery, and Ancient has been flattered too many times to count. Two individuals comprise Crimson Moon: Vampir Scorpios filling the bass and vocals duties, and Nocturnal Overlord picking up the guitar, synths, and drum programming. Vampir's voice is a unique blend of a warmer Themgoroth from Black Funeral and a somewhat restrained Hedlund on The Abyss' _Summon the Beast_. Excellent company to be in, I might add. On the whole, with open disregard for Crimson Moon's music mimicry and verbose satanic diatribe that begins _TEtVB_, the effort is not bad. Like I stated, I -want- to like this more than I do, so, suffice it to say, I will expect my next Crimson Moon purchase -- and I will purchase it -- to exceed even their own expectations.

(article published 1/9/1998)