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Artist Name: Moonshield
Who Are They: Featuring current members of New Junk City, Ecryptus, and Seagulls, along with former members of Bodyfather, Burners, and Fox Wound, newcomers Moonshield mix melodic metal stylings and galloping riffs to create high voltage thrash punk.
Members
Richard Philip – Vocals
Mike Michalski – Bass
Jeff Claxton – Drums
Nathan Streeper – Guitar
Steve Johnson – Guitar
Sounds Like: There’s a description of Moonshield on a Facebook event page that reads “High Fantasy speed metal riffage taken from the pages of your older brother’s dungeon masters guide,” and while I agree with the retro and fantasy elements of that assessment, I do feel it’s a bit of an oversimplification. Yes, there are stylistic nods to thrash and a penchant for epic storytelling, but their songs are shot through with an adrenaline that maintains the energy of hardcore as much as anything else.
Releases: The band posted a pair of demo tracks to their Bandcamp page in April. Their debut LP, The Warband, is due out later this summer.
Mandatory Listening: Of the two songs Moonshield have made available, both have dynamics and intensity to spare, but closing track “North of the Wall” does an excellent job of summing up everything the group is about—blistering riffs, warped tones, anthemic leads, and barked vocals that will make you want to pump your fists and scream along in unison. Metalheads will certainly find plenty here to like, but so will anyone who appreciates full throttle rock and punk that’s unafraid to dive into the breach.
Moonshield will perform tonight at the Bakery alongside Tiny Scissors and Violent Opposition. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $7. All ages.
More Info
Bandcamp: moonshield.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @MoonshieldATL
Instagram: @moonshieldatl