The Cruxshadows - As the Dark Against My Halo

Artist: The Cruxshadows

CD title: As the Dark Against My Halo

Label: Wishfire

Genre: Goth, Darkwave, Electronic

Website: https://www.cruxshadows.com/

Reviewer: DJ Kantrip

Date: 11/19/2012

It has been 5 years since their last release, but The Cruxshadows have returned with their 8th full length album, As the Dark Against my Halo. 11th if you count the reissues of three of their early albums. The Florida based band has delivered another CD full of inspirational high-energy darkwave chocked full of references to fantastic creatures. For a band that has been around as long as The Cruxshadows have (about 20 years now), there is very little that can be said about them that hasn't already been said about their music or stage show.

As the Dark Against My Halo wastes no time in reminding fans what they have been missing. "And I Believe" starts the album off with a computerized female voice musing about the constant nature of change in the world, and then erupts into haunting violins over snarling guitars. From there "Valkyrie" takes the listener into a fast-paced dance number about overcoming hardships and praising the song's mythological namesake. The other 12 tracks are The Cruxshadows doing what they have always done. I recommend checking out “Halo”, “Indivisible”, or “Matchstick Girl” as some of the more stand out singles from the album.

I would love to say that this album is a welcome breath of fresh air, but it is really just the same air that I've breathed in on previous albums like Ethernaut, Wishfire, and Dreamcypher. Really solid electronic goth rock that delivers a palpable theatrical atmosphere that translates seamlessly to the stage. And that is one thing I applaud the band for, the impeccable translation from CD to Live Show. All of the energy and antics that the music implies are performed on stage. Acrobatics, musicians taking center stage for their solos, dancers, really amazing lighting, and Rogue's rather commanding presence. You can hear it in the CD and when you see it live, it just enhances the listening experience later on. In fact no matter how many times I've seen them live, I never turn down a chance to see them again.

If there was one thing I can count on The Cruxshadows for, it's songs that actually do a great job of lifting one's spirits. Over the band's 20 years of existence they have evolved from typical "we hate life/world/The Man" style goth lyrics while keeping the music upbeat the whole time. As cynical as I may come off in this review, it is very hard for this reviewer to not put on some songs like "Sophia" or "Coming Home (Return)" and not feel that urge to push a bit further or try a bit harder. That's not to dismiss some of fan favorite tracks like "Leave Me Alone" or "Marilyn, My Bitterness". However when compared to emotional power behind songs like "Indivisible" or "Valkyrie", they just don't stand up.

So kudos to Rogue and his crew. While it is still the same old song and dance, it is one I never get tired of jumping around too. From reading their website it does appear that the band is on tour in Germany, be sure to keep an eye on their site for US dates. If you are needing a great album to cap off what has been a rather tumultuous year, then pick this album up. As The Dark Against My Halo will help you push through the holidays and feel victorious.

3 out of 5 Stars.

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