Crimson Steel Show No Fear Review
Crimson Steel
Show No Fear
Heaven and Hell Records
2026
Earlier this year, Heaven and Hell Records released the sophomore album “Show No Fear” from North Carolina’s Crimson Steel. I’d never heard of the band before, which is nothing new, but after one listen, I’m all too familiar with their Traditional take on U.S. Power Metal/Heavy Metal.
I was instantly taken with this album. It features female vocalist Tina Langevin and, if you’ve read any of my previous reviews, you’ll know that lately I feel the women in the Metal scene, specifically vocalists, are where it’s at. No rhyme or reason outside of the fact that they’re just kicking the male vocalists’ asses lately. Langevin has some serious vocal power. I’d love to say she reminds me of other female vocalists in the scene, but she really doesn’t. She’s closer to Lizzy Borden, which is fine by me! Her falsettos are on point and she doesn’t miss. She lands them perfectly, no matter the moment.
I did want to do a bit more homework on Crimson Steel’s music, so I hopped on YouTube and tried listening to the band’s debut, not realizing it wasn’t the same lineup. I couldn’t make it past three songs. There were too many keyboards, and the previous singer, who was also female, just didn’t have the grit that’s delivered here. It’s a totally different band and feel. Tina Langevin has, in essence, brought the band credibility, focus and a heavy dose of METAL!
Musically, Crimson Steel delivers a meat-and-potatoes approach across the board. There’s nothing exactly mind-blowing here, but that’s not a slam. It’s a less-is-more approach. They’re giving it all they’ve got within the realms of Traditional Heavy Metal with an 80’s flair. There’s even a bit of a Progressive vibe here and there, which adds some depth. Blistering guitar solos and melodies are in abundance, as they should be.
I appreciate and dig the approach overall. The band isn’t trying to cram everything they can into a song; they’re letting the songs breathe and build as the album goes. You can tell these musicians are veterans and that this isn’t their first time in a studio. There are some great riffs and ideas here, and while they lean heavily toward the 80’s style, it’s still a great listen and a hell of a lot of fun. My inner 12-year-old is headbanging and fist-pumping to every tune!
The entire effort is a highlight, but I wouldn’t be lying if I said my favorite tracks are “Show No Fear,” “Dark Rider,” “Century Sword” and “Bleed Into One.” The latter is a ballad of sorts and features the one and only James Rivera of Helstar. It’s an incredible track and a great pairing. Rivera and Langevin are perfect together. I’d KILL to hear an entire album of these two working together. Perfection.
This track alone is worth the price of the album and given that “Show No Fear” will be getting a vinyl release, it’s a need, not a want. Don’t miss out on this album!