The reviews I've read for this record have been all over the board. Some think it's worthless and others think ITM has put out their best record to date. So I'll try to stick to the facts and leave opinion out of it as much as possible.

1. This record really is a good mix of their last two records, which are quite different from each other. This includes the fact that there is a mix of screaming and clean vocals.

2. Some of the songs will seem cheesy, mostly lyrically, but even musically (Gunshow, for example), but they DO fit into the overall theme of the album.

3. There is some good songwriting mixed in with some more generic aspects. If you're looking for some kind radical new sound, you probably won't find it here.

4. Building on #3, Maria Brink's screaming vocals have a special kind of emotional intensity. You may not appreciate them like I do, but it's an assault on my ears that I only find in certain bands.

5. There are some more radio-friendly songs on this record - I said "more" - not "completely." This is not automatically a bad thing, unless the band's forcing these out just to try to make radio playlists. Again, judge for yourselves.

6. If you dislike screaming lyrics, don't get this record, and if you ONLY like screaming lyrics, you might not want to get this album.

7. Some reviewers have stated their opinions that ITM is trying to be like Evanescence. I think it's possible they were just experimenting with moving in a direction that melds different aspects of their sound and moves forward in whatever direction it takes them.

8. Some reviewers don't like the mixture of the male/female vocal parts on the record. I like them at some times more than others, but they don't make or break the record for me. Don't just accept it when reviewers say they don't work together - you may love it.

That's enough. After a few listens, and reading numerous reviews, I've decided that this is a good step for ITM. It still feels to me like they're figuring out where they want to go, but it's a fun step in their journey. And the more I listen, the more I understand what they've done, and the more I'm enjoying it. Check it out for yourself.

I believe this album tops anything this band has done. There is an element similar to Five Finger Death Puch here, with their guitar solos. One thing that floored me in the best sense of the word was Maria and Chris's working together. She'll sing, he'll scream; they will switch; they'll duet with him backing her. It is an amazing effect. There is a flavor in their melodic parts that brings back the flavor of their second album. The only thin I looked for is the way she used her voice on the first album, and other than the great use of screaming vocals, I didn't really find it. Her voice, when singing, becomes sweeter on these second and third albums. But this change doesn't detract in any way, shape, or form from this album. It is way over the top of their albums. Isn't there a saying about how the whole is greater than the sum of the two halves? This applies to their two older albums, their flavor and style, and when brought together they produce a powerful masterpiece. The song that I feel epitomizes this is "Iron Army". There is the addition of some excelent orchestra here, reminiscent of the South American band Six Magics.

Not the greatest band but I enjoy the first two albums because there is a mix of melody and screaming. "Wasteland" has way too much screaming which gets tired and annoying, not too mention that we lose out on hearing a beautiful voice. A better balance is needed.

"A Star-Crossed Wasteland" is the third album from one of the better female-fronted metal bands out there...In This Moment.

I remember listening to "Beautiful Tragedy" (title track of their debut album) on the radio some time ago and was kinda digging the song.

And then came that scream.

Let's get this out of the way...if you do not like a female rock lead that screams, this band is not for you. If all you have heard from ITM is their second album, you should know that their first and third albums are different birds in many ways (but there are many similarities of course).

That being said, Maria Brink is not a person who screams just to scream....it's not mindless and it's not pointless and she doesn't do it all the time....when she screams, she's saying something. Very rarely do I hear someone in the music world (male or female) that has that kind of visceral and poignant presence when she ups the volume. The one person I would compare her to is Jonathan Davis of Korn. "My Gift to You" is a good example of what I mean with him. Same thing as with Maria Brink...when he is noticeably agitated on the mic, you pay attention...because he has something to say. Also, Maria *can* sing....check out "Into the Light" on their 2nd record....and then listen to "Iron Army" on this one...or "Next Life" on the first one. Yep...it's the same chick.

That all being said, this is a solid, but not perfect, effort. I do concede the lyrics are a bit over the top and perhaps campy at times...but, then again, there is a niche for that sorta thing. Seen any recent Jason Statham movies? Same sorta thing...it's an escape, it's not for everyone...but it's damn fun if you feel what Ms. Brink has to say.

The introduction of a male singer is a nice addition to this album...and the album changes up the tempos and styles throughout...very good range and they do the vast majority of it very well. Guitars and drums are still solid as well. Very hard edge to the sound.

Standout song on the album, in my view, is "Iron Army". "The Gun Show" is solid...as is the title track.

If they continue to progress at the pace that they are, there will be a lot of goodness to come. I think "The Dream" was a bit of a step back....too radio friendly...but this album has a hell of an edge that "The Dream" was missing.

I saw In This Moment at Ozzfest in '07 when Beautiful Tragedy was out, and I was amazed how good they were live. Of course, I picked up the cd after I came home from the concert. A year later, The Dream came out. A bit quick, but a great follow-up. Many praised the band's hard rock and melodic metal approach while others missed the hardcore elements and Maria Brink's screaming vocals from the first album. I do honestly think that The Dream is an awesome record, but I'm more glad that the band took more time to follow it up. A Star-Crossed Wasteland, the band's third and newest album sees the band taking the best elements from the last two records to create what could be their best record yet. I know it is a cliché to say that, but I'm not lying. The production quality of The Dream, the raw intensity of Beautiful Tragedy, and beautiful melodies from both albums are what make up A Star-Crossed Wasteland right down to the heavy guitars, hardcore drumming, and Maria's extreme/melodic vocal style. I'm a sucker for female vocalists especially in metal, and Maria's vocals have never sounded better. Even if you liked The Dream as I did, this is a great album that you won't be able to keep yourself away from.