CRYSTAL BALL – Dawnbreaker (2013)
*
One of my favorite acts ever out from Switzerland always have been the underrated CRYSTAL BALL, their first two albums are really fine staples of polished Melodic Hard Rock.
After a 6-year creative break original members Scott Leach and Marcel Sardella reformed the band with fresh blood and a great new frontman; Steven Mageney from Germany, and “Dawnbreaker” is the resulting CD to be released next week on December 2nd.
Also with a new bassist in Cris Stone, Crystal Ball is returning stronger than ever on “Dawnbreaker” as the creative break the band took should give the fans of the genre some of their strongest songwriting to date. Adding to their characteristic melodic sound a touch of heavier riffs, this new record is varied and really entertaining.
New singer Steven Mageney seems to be an experienced cat from the underground German scene as his large register is quite impactful and the power of his lungs perfectly match Crystal Ball’s sound.
After the instrumental opener “Zarathustra” – their metal take on the 2001: Space Odyssey theme, “Break of Dawn” takes over with guitar squeals from Leach & Flury and a steady hard rock groove with loads of melodic qualities in line with bands like Bonfire or Pretty Maids.
As said, we have varied materiel on offer here; there’s a catchy sense on first single “Anyone Can Be Hero” (a highlight), “Power Pack” adds a bluesy touch to its hard rockin’ pump, then “Walls Fall Down” and Back For Good” gets heavier and razor, something that has always been one of Crystal Ball’s great strengths.
An interesting lyrical topic regarding the early air flight days takes place with “The Brothers Were Wright” – I love the play on words in the title alone, and fortunate for the listeners the main riff and chorus are as top notch to make this one of the best tracks on the album, along with a lead break that isn’t merely breakneck note frenzy but thoughtful in construction.
Other songs that should gain hearty applause include the compelling ballad “Eternal Flame”, while the bouncy mid-tempos “Skin To Skin” and the more steady “Stranded” finds Mageney stretching out his personality in the verses to give the band a different approach.
Crystal Ball is a fantastic band with a brilliant sound, if you never heard of them you’re missing something really good. They’ve lost nothing in their brief absence and return with solid and entertaining album of pure Euro Melodic Hard Rock in “Dawnbreaker”.
This is one of these bands / albums that I enjoy with a plus because everything sounds clear and crisp, melodic but with an edge, rich on dynamics in terms of tempos.
It’s great to have Crystal Ball back. And with a new terrific MHR album under their belt.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
01 – Zarathustra
02 – Break Of Dawn
03 – Anyone Can Be A Hero
04 – The Brothers Were Wright
05 – Eternal Flame
06 – Skin To Skin
07 – Walls Fall Down
08 – Back For Good
09 – Power Pack
10 – Stranded
11 – Sun Came Out
Steven Mageney – Vocals
Markus Flury – Lead, Rhythm Guitar
Scott Leach – Lead, Rhythm Guitar
Cris Stone – Bass
Marcel Sardella – Drums
Pre Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Dawnbreaker-Crystal-Ball/dp/B00COU1P1C
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