About.com Rating



With their third CD A Star-Crossed Wasteland, In This Moment effectively combines the sound of their first two releases. 2007's Beautiful Tragedy was metalcore, with mostly screaming vocals from Maria Brink and a little melodic singing. 2008's The Dream was basically a rock album, with a lot of singing and mainstream sounding songs and only a little bit of screaming. They've found a better balance with this CD.


A Star-Crossed Wasteland erupts out of the gate with “Gunshow” an intense track with throat-shredding screams from Brink. “Just Drive” is a good representation of the album, with hooks and singing choruses alongside harsh yells and more aggressive moments. 'The Promise” is an interesting change of pace, a duet featuring Adrian Patrick of Otherwise. It has some nice melodic harmonies and contrasting angry screams from both vocalists.

“Blazin'” will become a live staple, a groovy and anthemic song that will get the crowd going. “The Road” has the most single potential, with memorable hooks and some tempo. “Iron Army” is the most generic track on the album, with stale breakdowns and screams that strangely enough, sometimes sound reminiscent of Sam Kinison. Things rebound with “The Last Cowboy,” with spoken word vocals alongside the singing giving it a unique sound.

This is Brink's most well-rounded vocal performance to date. Her screams have always been potent, and she's really refined her melodic style.

From vulnerable crooning to more forceful singing, she displays a wide variety of textures and emotions. The final track “World In Flames” really showcases her melodic singing. The transitions between singing and screaming seem smoother this time around as well.

In This Moment's musical style and high profile of Brink (recently voted Revolver's “Sexiest Chick In Metal”) have made them a polarizing band. A Star-Crossed Wasteland will satisfy their ever-increasing fan base, but will also generate the usual backlash.

(released July 13, 2010 on Century Media Records)



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.