Release Date: 26th June 2026
Label: Pitch Black Records
Over the last two decades French heavy metal legends Stonecast have shared the stage with the likes of Warlord, Blaze Bayley and Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens and performed at the 2011 French edition of the gargantuan Sonisphere Festival with the ‘Big 4’ of thrash metal – Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer. They have released three full length albums, including the acclaimed I Earther, which picked up a glowing 10/10 review in the UK’s Powerplay Rock and Metal Magazine and was hailed by popular webzine Musipedia of Metal as “one of the strongest heavy metal albums of the year”. However, it’s been more than seven years since Stonecast served up that magnificent metallic feast and
fans are growing ravenous for another banquet of adventurous, imaginative, creative heavy metal. And at long last salvation is now at hand…
Stonecast are finally poised to release their new album, “Expand Crimson Chaos” – a magnificent display of superlative individual performances and sophisticated, mature song writing. As always with Stonecast, “Expand Crimson Chaos” is more than just a collection of songs. It is an album that explores humanity’s resilience in the face of adversity, our in built need to evolve and seek for meaning in existence, to defy the very concept of oblivion even as we teeter upon the brink of destruction. Spinning engrossing tales of resistance, fortitude and the search for redemption, “Expand Crimson Chaos” is surely Stonecast’s most ambitious and engaging work to date.
Line-up:
Frank Ghirardi – Vocals
Seb Casula – Rhythm and lead guitar
Lionel Antonorsi – Bass guitar
All drums on Expand Crimson Chaos
performed by Brent E. Smedley
All guitar solos performed by Thomas
Tiberi
review
“Death” kicks off the album with some interesting synth work that makes you feel it’s about to transition into a fast-paced banger, but that’s not what happens at all. The song transforms into a well-crafted epic doom concoction that is easily one of the best tracks on the record. What’s makes this song stand out is that the vocals are packed full of emotion and blends into the wall of sound that easily reminds you of something Khemmis or Candlemass would do.
“Walking Dead” is quite different from the opening song, and it surprised me with its mid-2000s era style of power and melodic metal. There are moments when Frank Ghiradi belts out some high notes that evoke Tobias Sammet vibes. The riffs and compositions provided by Seb Casula is absolutely flawless here as this track is probably my favorite when it comes to the overall songwriting.
“Blood Red” is another standout from this record, reminding you that this is not an album where every song sounds the same. This is the first time you’re introduced to the dark nature of “Expand Crimson Chaos.” There are moments when I get Elvenking vibes, especially in the delivery of the vocals.
“A Ce Lieu” brings the groove. The riffs in this song are stellar throughout. There is a moment where they reintroduce the verse riff with added harmonies, and it’s a chef’s kiss. Ghiradi has more of a traditional style of delivery when it comes to the vocal lines, and it suits the song well. This one is definitely a highlight of the album.
“Against the Tide” teases you with its galloping intro and quickly dives into a sinister whirlpool driven by acoustic guitars. However, that mood doesn’t last long, and we soon discover the proggy roots this album likes to explore from time to time. My only complaint is that this song almost feels like an outro, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. This is my personal favorite track on the album.
“King of Hell” is a fast-paced song that often reminds me of Slayer. I have to be honest; this one doesn’t quite resonate with me. The style, in contrast to everything introduced up to this point, has been rooted in certain styles, and now, halfway through the album, we are incorporating more styles. Don’t get me wrong, there are some cool riffs and moments in this song, but it feels out of place.
“Kneel or Die” also follows a darkened path, but it aligns more closely with the previous tracks, providing that sense of familiarity. There is a point in this song where it really kicks up, creating a moment that makes you want to throw your horns up in the air.
“00.00.01” is a very fitting opening track for the upcoming title track. The build-up and guitar leads are appropriate for what’s to come.
“Expand Crimson Chaos” marks the descent into the rest of the album. The pace has increased with this one, and you can tell they are channeling classic bands such as Judas Priest and Iron Maiden in these last three songs. However, they also keep that occasional traditional progressive metal vibe alive. This song is worthy of the album title.
“Gundown the Flag” feels like a circus, which I believe is intentional, especially with the “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN” bit. This song also feels reminiscent of Judas Priest at times, and there’s nothing to complain about there.
“Nuclear Winter” is the closing track of the album. I wasn’t crazy about this one. The growls felt out of place, but I’m not sure if it’s due to the production. It feels jarring and in-your-face because of how dry it sounds. On the positive side, the final quarter of the song serves as a pretty good way to end the album. I have to give props for a decent bass solo thrown in there.
Conclusion
“Expand Crimson Chaos” is a well-produced and well-written album, considering it has been more than seven years since their last offering. I will be the first to admit that I haven’t listened to them before; this was my first exposure to their music. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I enjoyed what I heard. The riffs were killer, and the songs were written by musicians you can tell have been around for a long time. One criticism I have is that the album doesn’t always feel cohesive, and that’s due to the constant shifting of styles and themes. Overall, “Expand Crimson Chaos” is a masterful collection of songs that contains catchy riffs, soaring vocals, and themes worthy of heavy metal.
TheNwothm Score: 7.5/10
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonecastmetal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonecastmetalband
Label Links:
Website: https://www.pitchblackrecords.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pitchblackrecords
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pitchblackrecords/
