by Greg Prato

There was a time that within the realm of heavy metal when most groups were categorized by one of two styles: extreme metal or melodic metal. But rarely, if ever, did the two meet. However, by the early 21st century, it's hard to find a thriving metal band that doesn't incorporate elements of each approach into their metallic caldron, especially in the case of Kenai, AK based quartet 36 Crazyfists. On their fourth major-label release (and first for the Ferret Music label), 2008's Tide and Its Takers, it would be understandable to fool a newcomer of the band into believing there are two lead singers in the band. Case in point: "The Black Harlow World," which seamlessly alternates between melodic crooning/tranquil music and hardcore screaming/raging metal. This is an approach that 36 Crazyfists uses throughout Tide, as evidenced by such delightful little ditties as the album opening "The All Night Lights" and "Waiting on a War," the group has created an album that appears poised for some serious crossover appeal.