With their finest album yet, ‘A Star Crossed Wasteland’ is ‘In This Moment’s’ finest fusion of both ‘A Beautiful Tragedy’ and ‘The Dream’, both soft and heavy, it’s managed to both please and progress.

The opening track ‘Gun Show’ is instantly powerful, recognising straight off Maria Brink’s full vocal potential, it’s an explosive start, one of which institutes the overall sound. Previous fans at first may be disheartened, but not for long, ‘A Star Crossed Wasteland’ has all the elements of their 2008 album ‘The Dream’, with all the whispering, soft vocals you could yearn for, along with the fast-paced hauling screams heard within their earlier album ‘Beautiful Tragedy’.

‘In This Moment’ are continuing to earn their name within the metal genre, and with such an awe-inspiring vocalist, Maria certainly has the ability to instate the band where they belong.

‘Just Drive’ continues the pace, and with no messing about, it’s catchy and a head nodders delight. Not to be forgotten, the guitars stand up well, and fail to disappoint.
‘The Promise’ sees Maria’s softer side, with guest vocals from Adrian Patrick (From the band ‘Otherwise’), the nail has certainly been hit on the head here, with such perfection, it’s melodic, and yet another example which proves Maria is nothing but a worthy lead, with the mix of both male and female vocals, it’s an impressive move.

‘Standing Alone’ hits hard, pounding us straight away, it’s metal at its core. Softer parts coinciding well with the ripping screams. Though despite at times seeming a tad too familiar, ‘In This Moment’s’ sound has certainly progressed, and is definitely more mature sounding at that. The bands title track, upbeat, again with elements of ‘The Dream’, it appears a more saddened song, yet Maria’s clean and screaming vocals ultimately cannot help but draw you in.

The balance has in no doubt been found in this album, undoubtedly making it their finest. ‘In This Moment’ have worked hard to be where they are, and with a new bass player to the lineup, their groove has been found.

‘Blazin’ epitomises ‘In This Moment’, with screams galore, and with both the drums and guitars given their moments, its incredibly catchy. Although not the obvious favorite choice, its certainly one of those songs you’ll find hard to shake. ‘The Road’ in true comparison only merely manages to stand up against the rest, but it’s a light song that won’t hurt to grace your ears with.

‘Iron Army’ brings the energy, with hefty melodic guitars and fast-paced drumming, this song will play battle with our ears, a battle of which will have us waving the white flag within an instant. ‘The Last Cowboy’, is another showcase of Maria’s clean vocals, whispery at parts, and the perfect combination of both gentle and aggressive. The end track ‘World In Flames’ though poles apart from ‘Gun Show’, ties ‘A Star Crossed Wasteland’ together, making it a full rounded album, ‘In This Moment’ should never be underrated again.

Lucy Goodwin