Nine Red Moons – Sumerian Songs for the Dead
The song begins with a classic metal approach that reminds me of early Queensrÿche, followed by cool synth sounds that feel like the neo-prog vibe of the early 1980s. As the vocals work into the mix, the music gets more dramatic, with the vocalist showing excellent range and technical control, enhancing the piece. Fans of early Queensrÿche and Sanctuary will feel right at home here. The song sounds like it was recorded in 1985 or 1986, totally embracing the US metal style of the time, but it never feels old. Instead, it comes across as new, powerful, and well produced, combining nostalgia with a constant feeling of quality. The songwriting is well-organised, letting the synths and guitars to interact without overpowering one another, while the rhythm section maintains a constant and strong presence across. The arrangement gives a powerful sense of epic story, which contributes to the song’s dark, legendary atmosphere. This attention to detail, combined with the real old-school production vibe, creates a fascinating and extremely engaging track for fans of classic US metal.