CRYSTAL BALL – 2020 (2019)
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Swiss melodic metal / hard rockers CRYSTAL BALL are presenting “2020”, their new release including a total of 20 tracks on 2 CDs. 10 tracks are re-recorded and newly interpreted songs from the band’s first decade (more Melodic Hard Rock / AOR oriented), while the other 10 are from the band’s second, current decade, which were either re-recorded, newly arranged and / or enhanced with additional recordings.
To last more than 10 years in the music business isn’t an easy task for anyone. And to last 20 years in the Metal / Hard Rock scene is far more complicated. And to those who fight this good fight, hats off, especially when a band as Crystall Ball is the center of attention.
And here they are, after 20 years rocking, releasing this fine double CD compilation titled “2020”.
The main musical path of this Swiss quintet is already well known and tasted: a blend between classic Hard Rock and Melodic Metal with some Glam / Melodic Hard Rock touches (it is clear due the musical accessibility in some parts) that never becomes old or seems outdated.
And on this double CD compilation, on the first album, all songs are from the this decade and were re-recorded by the current Crystal Ball line-up, and on the CD 2, the songs were re-recorded as well, but are from the past decade.
This set of songs were chosen by the fans, and are among the best the band wrote all over their career. So be prepared for an amazing rush of energy and a storm of excellent catchy choruses.
“2020” was recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Stefan Kaufmann (yes, former ACCEPT drummer) at ROXX Studio, having a helping hand from Mattes on the mixing.
The final result is a modern, clean and heavy sound quality that gives new life to the band old songs. And everything is showing a fresh energy, as the years didn’t have passed for them.
Some highlights on CD 1 are outstanding punch and catchy melodies of “HELLvetia” and “Moondance” (both with very good vocals and choruses, and with Stephan playing some solo guitars), the Accept touch on the guitar riffs of “Soul Mate”, the 80’s AOR feel on “He Came to Change the World”, the mix between midtempo pace with very good harmonies shown on “My Life”, and the freaking out energy of “Forever and Eternally” and its very good new backing vocals arrangement on the chorus.
On CD 2 there’s the older stuff, my favorite, when the band was more melodic hard rock oriented, even more with the new remix given / re-recording sessions.
The charming keyboard parts on “Paradise” and on “Mayday!” (both songs with a strong influence of 80s AOR), the catchy rhythm of “Alive for Evermore”, the revitalized version of “Eye to Eye” (where BATTLE BEAST’s Noora Louhimo appears on guest vocals), and the catchy arena rocker “Anyone Can Be a Hero”, all are tunes that everybody must hear if ’80s / early 90s stuff is your thing.
The quintet found out an excellent way to celebrate its 20 years of existence: “2020” packs twenty very good tunes ranging from melodic metal / hard n’ heavy to melodic hard / AOR, blending the ’80s / 90s / and current sounds with ease and class.
HIGHLY Recommended
CD 1:
01. HELLvetia
02. Moondance
03. Soul Mate
04. Lay Down The Law
05. He Came To Change The World
06. Dance With The Devil
07. Mozart Symphony
08. My Life
09. Am I Free
10. Forever And Eternally
CD 2:
01. Paradise
02. Mayday!
03. Alive For Evermore
04. Hold Your Flag
05. Eye To Eye (feat Noora Louhimo)
06. Suspended
07. Déjà-Voodoo
08. Anyone Can Be A Hero
09. Curtain Call
10. Director´s Cut
Steven Mageney – Vocals
Tony “T.C.” Castell – Guitars
Marcel Sardella – Drums
Scott Leach – Guitars
Cris “Iron” Stone – Bass
Pre Order
www.amazon.co.uk/2020-Digipak-Crystal-Ball/dp/B07SL1SJ4K
