Review CASANDRA’S CROSSING “Garden of Earthly Delight”

Frontiers Music’s portfolio includes a number of collaborations between well-known musicians, some of which have been initiated by the label. The latest collaboration is between singer Casandra Carson (Paralandra) and guitar wizard George Lynch, resulting in an album called “Garden of Earthly Delights”.

The lead single from the album is also the opener for “Garden of Earthly Delights”. “Stranger” is the title of the track, and it couldn’t be a better choice than to put this tune in pole position. Even the start is impressive, as I was immediately reminded of the earlier Dokken. It is the typical Lynch guitar playing and the way the song is constructed that brings back great memories. Carson’s melodic but also rough singing fits perfectly to this song. “Stranger” is a melodic metal highlight and a song you can’t get enough of.

An important thing about this collaboration is that the chemistry between the two main contributors seems to be great, leading to a good flow of creative output. “Garden of Earthly Delights” is a modern hard rock album that includes a thrilling opener as well as tracks like the soulful “Closer to Heaven”. Equipped with some power, the track shows the emotional side of Casandra’s Crossing, before the thunderous “Ring Me Around” blows the listener away with its rock vibes.

Modern and rocking is how “Waltzing Nites” aims for your attention. With a couple of twists, the song may not blossom right away, but it has the potential to grow, especially when it comes to the chorus.

Things get louder and heavier with ‘Mind Eraser’, a roaring tune with a good melody, followed by the up-tempo ‘Run For Your Life’. The latter is the heaviest moment on the album and if you like bands like Halestorm then you shouldn’t miss this ode to hard rock music.

“Garden of Earthly Delight” is another example of a fruitful collaboration between musicians who share the same musical vision. Carson and Lynch have created a stunning album that finds the sweet spot between powerful riffs, great melodies and a feel for good songs. It’s a combination of strengths that sets this album apart from many others in the same genre.