Band : Crystal Viper
Release : Queen Of The Witches
Country : Katowice , Poland
Genre : Heavy Metal
Label : AFM Records
Reviewer : Juan Umeres
Line Up
Marta Gabriel – vocals, guitars and piano,
Andy Wave – guitars,
Golem – drums,
Blaze J. Grygiel – bass guitar.
After several years of silence the band commanded by the polish Marta Gabriel has given a new album for the Metalheads to delight us with their music. And this absence was due to health problems of the aforementioned Marta. I think it is evident that these problems have not weakened in the slightest to the great voice of the singer. I must say that this criticism has a positive charge, because I love the band and even if it made a bad album, I think I could see positive things in it.
Crystal Viper is one of those bands that do not have the “great spread” of the great bands. But still I think there is no leave of absence, because it is a great reference of the new wave of Heavy Metal worldwide. In “The Queen of the Witch” you will find references to great pillars of the scene, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Manowar, Cirith Ungol, Virgin Steele and of course Manilla Road.
Marta Gabriel is undoubtedly a great reference in terms of female voice. The first seconds of “The Witch is back” it is a demonstration with a shrill scream that would make the posers trembles, causing them to run with their mommy. Riffs reminding old Judas Priest / Halford solo accompany this song and a chorus that stays in his head at first heard. “I fear no evil” seems to say “We love Iron Maiden” because its influence is present throughout the song. I highlight the work of Błażej Grygiel, in the bass, is great. Particularly I think that “When the sun sets” is a ladder up several songs from the album, because simplicity and power (it’s the heavy metal I like to listen to, simple, epic and powerful). This song is a great reference to Dio’s Black Sabbath. Marta makes it clear that she is a great creator of emotive melodies.
“Trapped behind” is the first ballad of the album. A piano accompanies the lady and I try not to be accustomed to this face of the band, I feel that the song is not at the level of the disc, perhaps it worked better as a bonus track. “Do or Die” is another of the album’s hymns, a song to ride to the battle with swords in the wind, powerful song to sing it with fists in the air. It counts with the participation of Ross the Boss, legendary axe of Manowar. “Burn my fire burn” is another great reference to the old Iron Maiden, fast and epic. “Flames and blood” with the participation of Mantas (for some clueless, was the guitarist of venom), is another of the hymn of the album. With a quick, dark riff that reminds me of Helloween of the Jericho Wall, and Mantas playing a solo that causes chills.“We will do the last forever” with the participation of Steve Bettney (legend of NWOBHM with his band Saracen), another one of the great guests of the disc. This song is the second ballad of the album and the difference of the first one; I think it is superior in terms of emotion and feeling. Leave the best for the latest in what Crystal Viper does, in this work. “Rise of the witch queen” is that, the best song on the album. Sparkling guitars double pedal drummer and Marta kicking asses. Closing a perfect album that you should not miss if you like bands, previously named. And according to the edition (cd or LP vinyl) you can hear two classics covers “I see you in hell” by Grim reaper, somewhat faster than the original and “Long live the loud” by Exciter. The art of the cover is again in the hands of Andreas Marshall (recognized artist of bands like Blind Guardian, Running Wild, kreator and several other bands) ,“The Queen of the Witch” a high point in the discography of Crystal Viper
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caPi0V_5Tvs&w=320&h=266]
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkjbAdHudU0&w=320&h=266]
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