For those unfamiliar with this group (which could possibly be most of you reading this review), allow a brief description of what they bring to the table: hefty, prog-tinged traditional power metal, authentic and uncompromising.  Having followed Ancient Creation for years, I knew they were masters of the riff, and experts at penning solid, bone-shaking metal tunes.  But they’ve upped the ante with the songs of Moonlight Monument, which is without a doubt the group’s most cohesive and ass-kicking record to date.

Immediately out of the gates, Ancient Creation make known their penchant for melding the dark with the light fluidly, with elements of each playing off of one another in the tracks from Moonlight Monument.  “Profane Destiny” showcases this initially, teasing listeners with quick, soaring melodies from guitarists Peter Nisenkier and Maxx Christopher that gallop high over a thunderous background.  Steve Bentley’s vocals, which run a weaving path between angelic and insane, play a large part in the duality of Moonlight Monument‘s material, with “Black Reflection” being a good example of this.  His voice weaves in out of dark and complex elements, pulling the heavy plod of Andy Critz’s bass and the methodical beating of Kevin Keeton’s drums together tightly with sweeping, neoclassical guitar sections.  Personal favorite “With Anguish” displays a darker side to Bentley’s voice, and Ancient Creation‘s overall sound, with a more sinister vibe and a bevy of heavier elements, including loads of double bass and powerful, anguished (no pun intended) riffing and vocals.

If this review even remotely piques your interest in what Ancient Creation has to offer, I’d encourage you to give Moonlight Monument a listen.  The band’s evident dedication to their craft and ability to construct concrete metal movements warrant at least that much of your time and effort, and probably a whole hell of a lot more.