Review | Casandra’s Crossing – Garden of Earthly Delights

Frontiers Music S.R.L.

Casandra Carson is making significant strides in her rock music career. Her work with her father in Paralandra has established Carson as a compelling performer and vocalist. The new Casandra’s Crossing debut `Garden of Earthly Delights’ embellishes her fame and artistically craftsmanship. The title grips back to the famous and controversial triptych painting by Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1490) triggering questions.

GEORGE LYNCH

Casandra’s collaboration with renowned guitarist George Lynch has further enhanced her musical abilities. Carson’s impressive vocal range complements Lynch’s song writing, bringing a fresh perspective to his style that recalls his earlier work with Lynch Mob. Their partnership blends bluesy tone with intricate hard rock melodies and a brooding atmosphere, creating an engaging musical dynamic. 

,,Stranger’’ opens with invigorating classic hooks, build atop Lynch majestic riff. It immediately warps us back into his heydays with `Kiss of Death’ coming to mind. Carson injects her dazzling vocals, belting out fiercely ‘to sound the alarm’. Reverting on the metallic riff and hook, the chorus instantly nests as Casandra belts out full force. It is the kick the tracks need, with Lynch’s specifics magnified. Doom slow pace injected; the guitarist takes form. Iommi matched, his strings pierce with Carson stepping up for its finale. The cooperation blends skills and sees Mr. Scary stepping up to deliver his finest. 

A DYNAMIC EXPLORATIVE CHARACTER

,,Impatient” has a tremendous urge, with slapping and plucking bass and dynamic drums underneath George’s tasteful playing. Bending his strings with power and colorful tone, he creates the outlines for Casandra to shine, elevating the tracks. Hints of his experimental KXM era are present, exploring funk and jazz to whirl into his jaw dropping solo. It is exactly what this album needs as proven on the dynamic explorative character of tracks like ,,Closer to Heaven” and ,,Devastating Times”. 

Growling bass, echoing guitar plucks meander underneath Carson’s powerhouse vocals. Her register is wide and exceptionally soulful. She swings with swagger, balancing the blues and soul of the 70s while maintaining her modern diversity in discharge. Switching from intimate narration and gripping emotions into desolate gutful outpour of agony and stride. ,,Wicked Woman’’ exemplifies the album’s fusion of classic rock elements with contemporary touches. 

Lynch’s riffs and licks infuse the song with soul and energy, while the overall composition maintains a modern feel. This track, like many others on the album, showcases the duo’s ability to honour rock’s roots while pushing the genre forward.

A DRIVING FORCE

Throughout the album, Lynch’s guitar work serves as both a complement to Carson’s vocals and a driving force in its own right. His solos are particularly noteworthy, demonstrating his technical prowess and musical creativity. The interplay between Lynch’s guitar and Carson’s vocals creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience that elevates the entire album. Her invigorating persona radiates, Carson is rock’s hopeful for the coming decades. You literally see her sticking out her tongue attitudinizing her pose, swinging her axe. Spiked high heels, shining spandex and ditto flashy tank top she is the epitome of modern-day hard rock.

When the pace goes up, she displays her passionate grip on classic rock with ,,Ring Me Around” as trademark track. Displaying Carson’s impressive vocal capacities effortless transition her delivery of energetic bluesy tones and soulful charisma.  

Lynch’ creativity is exemplary on the urging ,,Run for Your Life”, built atop stunning drum dynamics and rolling bass, with Lynch unloading his trademark licks and hooks. Carson scats raspy phrased vocals with high pace, not losing her soul and emphasizing her vitality and perfect techniques. Subtle sections full of close harmony singing add a psychedelic attraction, before the pace is sped up and Carson raps her vocals into place, seemingly without catching a breath. Concluding ‘…here I come… ready of not!’ she sends shivers down your spine.

ENIGMATIC GRANDEUR

,,Waltzing Nites” has the bass returning to the front, dominating the sound spectre. Subtle drums with intricate changes and tom and percussion interaction, the song brings a swirling parading glance forward. Lynch buries himself in the mix and surfaces with clean licks and a reverting melody that is psychedelic to match Casandra’s impressive vocal delivery. 

When scaling back in its entire, Lynch brings a piercing vibrant melody forward opening the anger-packed ,,Just Business” the evolves around stagnant riffs and bass licks while drums thump relentless, switching dynamics toward the pre chorus. Carson roars with dominance, delving deep to unload the right amount of stride. Powerful hooks drop over which she lays down impressive soul. Pairing with the dominant rhythms her vocals gain appeal strengthening the groove and musical discharge. Matching the song’s enigmatic grandeur, Lynch brings a jazzy rooted solo to the front, with mesmerizing psychedelics morphing into ravishing fretboard wizardry. This blend of discord and experimentation is maintained on the wonderful ,,Mind Eraser”, with its deep gutted vocal roars and enigmatic solo. 

JANIS JOPLIN

The album concludes with the powerful track ,,Kneel Before You’’, showcasing Lynch’s musical prowess and Cassandra’s exceptional vocal performance. The song features a compelling riff and catchy hooks, with Cassandra delivering her most soulful vocals on the album. Her dynamic range is on full display as she alternates between different emotional states, reminiscent of Janis Joplin’s raw energy.

Cassandra’s vocals blend power and subtlety, with her sultry undertones complementing her commanding delivery. The track’s structure draws inspiration from classic rock, particularly Led Zeppelin, while incorporating modern elements to create a unique sound. The result is a high-energy, soul-infused song that leaves a lasting impression.

The overall composition demonstrates a masterful blend of contemporary and traditional rock elements, creating a pulsating rhythm that drives the song forward. Cassandra’s emotive performance adds depth and intensity to the track, making it a standout conclusion to the album.

CASANDRA’S CROSSING – THE CONCLUSION

Fascinating is the choice of title given the controversy of Bosch’ work. `Garden of Earthly Delights’ incorporates fantastical creatures in a didactic view reflecting medieval Christian worldviews. Blending the surreal and dreamlike appearance with the morals of the time, Hieronymus still raises discussions. The medieval work itself not featured, the artwork is a play on it, elevated into the present with its contents adjusted and updated. 

Carson gains recognition for her vocal talents and stage presence across multiple projects, positioning herself as a rising star in the rock music scene. Casandra lifts her performance and builds character with the recent bliss of releases, displaying her enormous stride and personality. `Garden of Earthly Delights’ not only increase the velocity of Carson’s career, but it also reinstates Lynch for his extraordinary song writing skills dropping impressive hooks and towering momentum in hard rocking tracks.

This blend of modern and contemporary is one of the must hear records of 2024!

Release date: 25 October 2024