Genre:  Symphonic Black Metal / Gothic Metal

01 Compromised Wills
02 Interim
03 Danse Macabre

Once in a while a release comes in that is so plain and desolate in its packaging and its arrival that one is almost struck by it.  There is a kind of sophistication and seriousness to a release that has very little about it.  Crescent Lament's Self-titled Demo was one of these releases.  In fact, it stands in the face of most other music out there today.  The artwork is ornate, yet held back.  It says what it needs to in a beautiful fashion and doesn't try to be over-the-top evil.  Most of it is white with asian-styled artwork and a logo that we have come to expect from the world of black metal.  However, when you hear this you shouldn't be expecting black metal at all, it is just the atmosphere that the music puts out there that fits this realm.

The music within is strong and heartfelt, featuring heavily laden keyboards over top of melodic guitars and almost bombastic drum samples.  The truly unique aspect of this three track demo though is the absence of blackened vocals in an effort to make way for beautiful epic female vocals with a 90's progressive rock edge like underground legends like Cincinnati's Level Nine.  One really can't give this demo all the respect it deserves without coming into the listening experience with an open and broken mind.  You have to leave behind all the trends and habits you've come to expect from the dark extreme metal scene, and once you do this will be one of the most unique and welcoming demos to come out this year.

Perhaps gothic doom metal would be the closest place for genre terminology, but the music stays a bit too uptempo and sinister for doom metal.  This is an incredibly strong first effort for this Taiwan powerhouse, and if they can find the will to release a full-length in the near future, it is something that no one should pass up.  Certainly these guys will deserve their own spot in the Taiwan metal underground as this is probably the most well-composed release since Anthelion's Bloodshed Rebefallen.