More than ever the Rock and Metal world has shown the talents of women around the globe. Positive steps forward, more than ever before we are seeing countless ladies dominate on lead vocals, but also as key players on respective instruments in bands. With this, it seems that more female-fronted or all-female bands are getting the exposure they deserve, and one of interest is Casandra Carson.
Carson, the leader of the modern American Hard Rock band Paralandra, has been hooked on Rock-n-roll since she picked up a guitar at eleven years old. A formattable guitarist, she also possesses a stunning dynamic voice that fans of Lzzy Hale of Halestorm or Dorothy Martin of Dorothy will absolutely love. With this in mind, Caron has made her way with Paralandra since 2013 when she first began writing songs with her dad, but that is not all. Beyond this, Carson has also teamed up with Stone Sour Guitarist Josh Rand for The L.I.F.E. Project; a blistering modern Metal band that released a self-titled EP in 2021. If that is not compelling enough, now in 2024 she joins forces with Dokken guitar legend George Lynch for the brand-spanking new Casandra’s Crossing.
Casandra’s Crossing marks a new wrinkle in Carson’s career, while it adds to the empire of releases Lynch has complied. In just the last few years alone Lynch has been a part of countless projects including, but not limited to, Lynch Mob, Sunbomb, Sweet & Lynch, The End Machine, The Banishment, and his own solo work. The epitome of prolific, his work with Carson seems to fit flawlessly for the debut of Casandra’s Crossing album Garden of Earthly Delights. Released on October 25, 2024 through Frontiers Music s.r.l., the album units classic Lynch guitar riffs and tone with Carson’s impassioned vocals.
Building mounds of muscle on this skeletal frame, the solidly written songs are what hook you in. Eleven tracks in total, Carson’s lyrics are potent, intelligent, and reflective of a very dark time in human history. Here Carson takes on the absurdity of detached, narcissistic modern culture and turns it on its head with striking vocal performances that bring the words off the page. Full-bodied and rich, Carson is on the attack for all of Garden of Earthly Delights… and it is lovely.
With blood, sweat, and tears delivered throughout, some big hits come with “Stranger,” “Devastating Times,” and “Run For Your Life.” Each featuring furious guitar playing and memorable melodies, there are also engaging moments sprinkled evenly throughout the album; such as “Kneel Before You,” but also “Impatient.”
Overall, it seems like Carson and Lynch really connected when recording Garden of Earthly Delights. You hear the signature tone of Lynch, which at times rings in echoes of his work with Dokken, but you also have the dominating presence of Carson. So, if you are a fan of Hard Rock with spirit and soul, check out Casandra’s Crossing, because Cryptic Rock gives Garden of Earthly Delights 4 out of 5 stars.
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