Crimson Steel – Show No Fear

Crimson Steel
Show No Fear
Label: Heaven And Hell Records
Out: 02. Oktober 2026
Playing Time: 39:13

Crimson Steel are a Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band from Raleigh (North Carolina) who were formed in 2022. Prior to that, some of the members were apparently part of the band ‘RipChorde Released’. The band draws inspiration from the traditions of Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Savatage, Crimson Glory and Queensrÿche. With the exception of lead singer Tina Langevin, the musicians have been with the band since 2022. Although bassist Joel McGee is apparently the only remaining founding member – David Ryan and Will Adkins have also been on board since 2022 but presumably joined the line-up later – the debut album ‘Night Creatures’ was released in the band’s founding year. Four years later, the follow-up album ‘Show No Fear’ was completed.

‘As Above, So Below’ is an intro lasting just over one minute. Bass rhythms, rumbling thunder, screams, menacing-sounding brass, and then the clatter of hooves and the whinnying of horses. In my view, it’s not strictly necessary. It’s not until ‘Dark Rider’ that the album really gets going. With banging guitar riffs, a few brass interludes and the impressive voice of Tina Langevin. And she keeps delivering stunning high-pitched Metal screams time and again. Added to this is an incredibly fast guitar solo. ‘No Absolution’ starts off a bit calmer and with a strong bass presence. But the calm doesn’t last long. At the very latest when those high-pitched screams ring out again. And there are quite a few of them. However, it doesn’t quite match the fast pace of the opener. Although, during the guitar solo, you can once again enjoy David Ryan’s lightning-fast fingers. ‘Purifier’ also pounds rhythmically from the speakers. Joel McGee can be heard here as the vocal partner. Do I need to say anything more about the guitar solos? I don’t think so. With ‘Final Phase’, at first you think you’re listening to a ballad. But after a little more than one minute, the Hard Rock power takes over once more. You don’t have to do without the screams and the virtuoso guitar solo either. ‘Prelude To The Blade’ is a short acoustic interlude, before ‘Century Sword’ kicks off another merciless rocking sound. Guitar and a powerful bass line introduce the song. Tina once again impresses vocally, both in her powerful singing and her screaming. At times, the music quietens down a little and a devilish laugh can be heard. On the power ballad “Bleed Into One”, an illustrious guest can be heard as Tina’s vocal partner – none other than James Rivera from Helstar. Tina sings almost with an operatic soprano at the start. However, she also masters the deeper timbre perfectly. Later on, we hear the fantastic Langevin/Rivera vocal duet. For me, this is the absolute highlight of the album. The album ends with the speed metal cracker “Show No Fear”. However, there’s variety here too, thanks to a few quieter passages.

With ‘Show No Fear’, Crimson Steel have produced an outstanding Hard Rock/Metal album. I was particularly impressed by Tina Langevin’s incredible voice. With it, she is clearly following in the footsteps of great singers such as Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson and even Ozzy Osbourne. And her three bandmates provide her with excellent musical backing.     

Crimson Steel – Dark Rider: https://youtu.be/9VQ8EZP05co?si=NxWumfXJBO-dtCDR

Lineup:

Tina Langevin – Lead Vocals
David Ryan – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Joel McGee – Bass, Vocals
Will Adkins – Drums, Backing Vocals

Track list:

• As Above, So Below
• Dark Rider
• No Absolution
• Purifier
• Final Phase
• Prelude to the Blade
• Century Sword
• Bleed into One
• Show No Fear