BOGUSLAW BALCERAK’S CRYLORD – Gates Of Valhalla (2014)
* retail
Polish guitarist BOGUSLAW BALCERAK surprised three years ago with his project CRYLORD debut album. Like that first record, Boguslaw Balcerak’s Crylord second effort “Gates Of Valhalla” again features multiple vocalists and most of those names metal fans will recognise.
They are Carsten ‘Lizard’ Schulz (Evidence One, Book Of Reflections, ex Domain), Goran Edman (ex Malmsteen, Karmakanic, Brazen Abbot), Rick Altzi (Masterplan, At Vance, Epysode), Ricky Wychowaniec and Mark Boals (ex Malmsteen, ex Royal Hunt, Ring Of Fire).
It’s this triumphant combination of experienced talented singers that will draw many to “Gates Of Valhalla” and they wont regret it.
The style here is a great mix of classic hard ‘n’ heavy with a strong dose of neoclassical sound and some progressive pinches here and there.
All starts with the impressive “Passage To The Other Side”, a song that features Carsten Schulz’s powerful performance, a heavy but still melodic guitar work and a catchy chorus line. “We Came To Rock” (Boals) is movin’ to some classic hard rock paths and recalls memories from bands such as Rainbow. The guitar solo here is simply breathtaking.
Title track “Gates Of Valhalla” is mighty impressive also, really firing on their memorable guitar / keyboard interaction. Yngwie fans will eat up the shredding of “Judgement Day” with Rick Altzi on lead vocals, and “Pompeii” has Mark Boals sounding right at home.
But that isn’t all you will find on “Gates Of Valhalla”. Take “Lost Again” for example, a great melodic hard rock track with a terrific chorus, showing a different side to this group as the instruments are restrained somewhat and the spotlight is on the vocals… of the wonderful Göran Edman.
While those vocals are indeed impressive – every lead singer was wisely chosen for the appropriate song – what makes “Gates Of Valhalla” really awe-inspiring is the quality songwriting and superb playing.
There is an added appeal on this album thanks to Boguslaw Balcerak’s stirring riffs and melodic solos – never overdone – tastefully arranged and delivered with a monstrous yet clean sound. His impeccable performance is entwined with very complementary keyboards and supported by a vibrant rhythm section.
VERY Recommended.
01 – Passage To The Other Side
02 – Gates Of Valhalla
03 – We Came To Rock
04 – Mirrored Eyes
05 – Judgment Day
06 – Lost Again
07 – Deadnight Serenade
08 – House Of Pain
09 – Pompeii
10 – War Memorial
Boguslaw Balcerak – Guitar
Kamil Wyzinski – Bass
Marcin Kwasny – Drums
Fererico Cordera – Keyboards
Carsten Schulz – Vocals
Rick Altzi – Vocals
Mark Boals – Vocals
Ricky Wychowaniec – Vocals
Göran Edman – Vocals
BUY IT !
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