CRYSTAL EYES – Starbourne Traveler

CRYSTAL EYES – Starbourne Traveler
Label(s):
Massacre Records
Released Year:
2019
Type:
Full-length
Tracklist:
1. Gods of Disorder2. Side by Side3. Extreme Paranoia (re-recorded)4. Starbourne Traveler Corridors of Time Paradise Powerlord5. Into the Fire6. In the Empire of Saints Midnight Radio7. Rage on the Sea (re-recorded)

CRYSTAL EYES is one of those band I have been following quite closely. Since their debut album “World of Black and Silver” came out i have been a loyal fan and followed their course throughout the years. I was really sad when the band entered a longtime hiatus after “Chained” album and really excited when the came back with “Killer” which was actually a killer album.

Well five years after “Killer” the band is back with another album called “Starbourne Traveler“, stating that they are both alive and ready for ass kicking. The album’s first single “Side by side” as a very energetic song with a RUNNING WILD vibe that it is spread throughout the album. So this means that CRYSTAL EYES left their melodic side in favor of speedy songs. It is true, yet the album has a large variety of tunes.

As I already mentioned “Side by side” depicts the band’s Teutonic Metal influences along with songs like the first track “Gods of Disorder” and “Into the Fire” which reminded me of “Wild Frontier” (don’t ask by whom) while other tracks like the title song, “Corridors of Time“, “Paradise Power lord” explore the bands earlier influences like JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON and of course ACCEPT.

Midnight Radio” has a more retro hard-rocking vibe (like “Dogs on Holy Ground” from the band’s previous album) and certainly no CRYSTAL EYES album is complete without a ballad: “In the Empire of Saints” continue the band’s tradition with emotional, powerful melodic songs (too bad it is not in the end but anyway).

There are also two re-recordings from the band’s first album -“Extreme Paranoia” & “Rage On The Sea“-, since the master tapes are long lost and there is no chance to be re-released with modern sound. Both songs have been powered up, sound modern yet a little less obscure but it is normal.

I should mention that every composition is carefully processed. Michael Dahl is a seasoned musician and knows what he is doing. Therefore you will hear the typical CRYSTAL EYES anthemic, catchy choruses but you will also hear excellent guitar themes and a tight band. Moreover after so many years Dahls vocals have their own identity. Though he is not a perfect singer he is experienced enough to use his voice carefully.

You cannot go wrong with CRYSTAL EYES. They have never released a mediocre album and never strayed off their path. If you are looking for an entertaining album with a shitload of great songs this is for you.

Previous article ARIA – Guest From The Shadow Kingdom
Next article WYRED – Image
While he struggles between trash and elaborate culture, Zippo, finds himself dwelling into the deepest and most notorious Heavy Metal paths. Or at least that is what he thinks…
Forgotten Scroll Fanzing Issue #6

Issue #6 Out Now

76 pages, 10 interviews. DAMASCUS (US) SANCTUM (US) HORIZON'S END (GR) LORD OF LIGHT (SWE) ETERNAL CHAMPION (US) GOTHIC STONE (IT) LEVIATHAN (US) NEAR INFINITY (US) ANGEL EDGE (US) OBLIVION KNIGHT (US) plus LEGIONED MARCHER (US)...

Follow Us

1,346FansLike
21FollowersFollow

NOVA SKELLIS – Life Amongst The Damned (Vinyl Reissue 2024)

What we deal with in NOVA SKELLIS’ case, is the chance of exploring the transcontinental fusion of almost any kind of heavy/power metal blend;...

WARLORD: The legend of William J Tsamis lives – Interview and...

To tell you the truth I was a little bit skeptical when I first learned about the Warlord tribute project set by drummer and founding member Mark Zonder and singer Giles Lavery to honor the music and memory of founder guitarist William J Tsamis who unfortunately passed away back in 2021. I was looking at the facts very closely, reading announcements about forthcoming live shows, new line up and a new album. The response from the fans was massive including both positive and negative (or very negative) comments about the above facts. "How can Warlord exist without Bill Tsamis?", they were asking. One afternoon I got a call from Giles Lavery himself asking me if I wanted to do an advance review of the forthcoming Warlord album. I replied positively still being in this skeptical mood. It all went away after the first listen... William J Tsamis was there. His music, his legend, his compositions, evolved into complete songs. In total excitement I texted Giles a single message "Bill is alive". The very next evening found Mark, Giles and I talking about the album, about Bill, about the music and the legacy. It was late at night when we ended the call. I asked them if I can publish our conversation and they got no problem. So here it is again: Me talking with Warlord. The usual stuff I am doing the last 25 years for various reasons. But this time I would not call this conversation an interview. To my eyes this is a big ethical, artistic and soulful statement, by some people who want to keep the Dream, alive.