Review Summary: A refreshing take on melodic black metal.
When I first came across Crystal Coffin, I was under the assmption that they were strictly a black metal band. Sure, their core sound may be rooted in black metal, but don't dare pigeonhole this band because calling them just black metal would be selling them short.
The Starway Eternal is the second full length album from this Canadian trio and it is an absolute trip. If you look at the album art, you can get a good idea of what you're going to encounter musically. This album is full of sci-fi and horror themes, making you feel like you're in an old-school Stephen King novel. The riffs are consistently melodic and very catchy. They're not your typical melodic black metal riffs though. There is plenty of variation with some thrashy parts thrown in as well as a very heavy progressive rock influence throughout. Vocals aren't extremely original but the throaty, almost death metal-esque guttural scream fit this band's style to perfection.
Crystal Coffin is a band to look out in the coming years. They're a breath of fresh air in a scene that is filled with copycats and wannabes. These Canadian ***ers know how to rock!
