CRYSTAL WINDS – Return to the Dark Age

CRYSTAL WINDS – Return to the Dark Age
Label(s):
Sleaszy Rider Records
Released Year:
2021
Type:
Full-length
Tracklist:
1. We've Got the Sound2. Mean Queen3. Gods of Rock 'N' Roll4. Still There5. Through the Stars6. Dream Queen7. Your Time Has Come8. The Dark Age

I still remember the very first time I have checked the music of those Heavy Metallers from Athens, Greece. Their “Scepters of Eternity” demo was quite a good surprise back in 2004 especially for someone who was after some well performed Heavy Metal.

For those who do not know I have to point that the band started in 1999 and split back in 2004 -after the release of their debut demo-. They reunited back in 2013, releasing the “Crystal Winds” EP in 2016. If you spend a little time to take a look on the band’s line up you would realize that the current -and the past- members have spent quite a lot of time, getting involved to various Metal bands of our country. So yeah I guess those musicians have something interesting to share. But what it is?

Well Classic Heavy Metal was always the main point into the band’s soundscape and they are still following this particular musical direction, someone would realize that, even from the very first listening of their debut “Return to the Dark Age” album, that was released just recently.

I can discover many interesting influences into the band’s sound: JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT, IRON MAIDEN and DIO, I can also hear the spirit of the early HELLOWEEN or RUNNING WILD on the band’s musical vibe.

Simple, but into the point, song structures that bring to front the band’s riff driven Heavy Metal. Emphasizing vocal melodies and perfectly arranged lead guitar parts, are some of the most important features on this great album.

All the songs are extremely well performed. Nick Teteris is delivering some amazing drum parts enforced by the bass giant called Michael Karagiannis. The axe of Giannis Vrontis is THE unstoppable force of the band -check the instrumental “Through the Stars” for some real guitar pleasure-. Of course an extra reference should be made about the vocals of Andrew Kouratoras, he has done a magnificent job, driving the songs on a maximum level. You can also check him on RAGE ‘N’ STEEL.

Well it is more than clear that in this album, we got music played by fans, for fans. I listened to the record many times, rediscovering a band that carries a clear message: “We are here and we play the music that we love”. And believe me, they are doing it with strength, talent and passion.


Check discussions about the band on our forum pages, here and here.

Check CRYSTAL WINDS on our radio show:

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I breathe for music. And I am more than sure that my mission in this universe is to make everybody agree that "Awaken The Guardian" by FATES WARNING is the best album ever released, yes in all musical genres. My next mission is to feed homeless cats and when I am not busy with all this stuff I listen to US Prog / Power and Epic Doom Metal. And I cast spells in rituals in order to awake the old ones. After my subscription to the "Happy Otters" team on Facebook.
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