Crystal Viper – Queen of the Witches
Label: AFM Records Playing Time: 44 Min Release 17th February 2017
Crystal Viper – to be quite honest, this name sounds like Power Metal cliché and a bit fatuous. Yet what Marta Gabriel and this band have to offer is far beyond the typical Power Metal stuff. Marta, who is some sort of a Polish Metal scene icon, presents nine new songs with a range from piano ballads (‘Trapped Behind’) and mid tempo (‘When The Sun Goes Down’) to uptempo songs (e.g. the opener and the title track). Fortunately the faster songs predominate. And it is also pleasing to hear that the majority of the songs work out well. The ingredients are mostly powerful riffs and drums and Marta’s variable and charismatic voice. The music has nothing in common with the typical Power Metal stuff – although it might seem like that. In my opinion the song ‘We Will Make It Last Forever’ is the highlight of the record. It offers everything a good song needs: a dynamic arrangement, a good chorus and a nice duet with Steve Bettney (Saracen). What else do you want?
One thing that could be improved is the use of lead guitars. And perhaps there should be a bit more focus on choruses. Moreover, there are 2 – 3 songs on average level, but it does not change the overall impression.
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7.5/10