CRYSTAL VIPER - Crimen Excepta
June 12, 2012, 12 years ago
(AFM)
Fronted by tiny guitarist/vocalist Marta Gabriel, it’s easy to see why these Poles are signed by a German label (and loved in their adopted country), as the sound owes much to the Teutonic power metal of bands like GAMMA RAY. All but the opening ‘Witch’s Mark’ are introduced by a short sound effect, this apparently being a concept album surrounding witchcraft. Some are a little unsettling, like the baby cries within a roaring fire (‘Child Of The Flame’) or the screaming old crone being hacked to death (‘Medicus Animarum’). Speaking of screaming and roaring, check out countrymen Piotr Wiwczarek (aka “Peter”) on ‘Tyrani Piekiel’, which was originally done by his band VADER. There’s also a guest spot by David Bower (HELL) on the title cut and on the vinyl LP, CRYSTAL VIPER cover ‘Night Of The Demon’ by the NWOBHM act DEMON. A galloping ‘The Spell Of Death’ owes much to IRON MAIDEN, which is never a bad thing! Screaming ghouls and liturgical organ kick off the upbeat ‘Fire Be My Gates’, but these two stand apart from the mid-tempo surroundings.
Solid, workmanlike, traditional, all elements that insure German acceptance (pun intended). Check ‘em out!
