As reported late last night, singer Michael Grant (ONWARD & CRESCENT SHIELD) has passed away. Grant passed away on May 31, 2012 at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, CA after a relatively brief but serious illness. He was 39 years old. Here is a heart felt message from one of Grant's band mates:
"Today I have lost a dear and close friend, a
band mate, and a heavy metal brother. Michael Grant passed away on May
31, 2012 at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, CA after a
relatively brief but serious illness. He was 39 years old. He was
peaceful and surrounded by family at the time of his passing. Michael
recorded and toured with several bands throughout his career most
notably Onward on Century Media Records and more recently Crescent
Shield on Cruz del Sur Music.
"Michael’s rich and powerful baritone and clean
melodic vocal style made him a distinct voice in Heavy Metal. He was
known for crafting memorable vocal hooks and layered harmonies. He
often weaved multiple vocal phrases together creating a complex and
striking tapestry of vocal melodies. Perhaps most notable however was
the passion Mike sang with. He could evoke the strength and
grandiloquence of the mightiest metal warrior or the mournful atmosphere
of a passing life.
Mike was more than just a singer though. He was
a greatly talented songwriter and lyricist. Although he didn’t play
an instrument, he would often write complete songs by humming guitar
lines and vocalizing drum beats. His lyrics were profound, evocative
and often personal. He was a true lover of Heavy Metal and would sing
its praises with a sense of poetry and grandeur. No matter the topic:
journeys into the unknown, the choices we make in life, religious dogma,
or a crimson moonrise, Mike always delivered a moving message with
unique elegance.
Writing, recording, and performing music with
Mike in Crescent Shield was a joy. We were in synch creatively and
complimented each other’s abilities very well. We produced music for
the love of it. We performed for the love of it. Crescent Shield’s
pinnacle performance at Keep It True 08 in Germany was a dream come true
for both of us.
Working with Mike was the most creatively rewarding experience of my life. Although the band has been on hiatus for a while, Mike and I still were writing new material and his voice and creative energies were still in top form. Losing him at such a young age is both shocking and tragic. I will miss my musical companion, my Metal brother, and my friend.
Our condolences go out to Michael's family, friends, bandmates and all the ONWARD/CRESCENT SHIELD fans.
Related links:
ONWARD on MySpace
Crescent Shield.com
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