CD review CRYSTAL VIPER ‘The Cult’

Poland’s power metal formation Crystal Viper has been with us since 2003 and has delivered no less than eight longplayers as a proof of work. Crystal Viper that’s the brainchild of Marta Gabriel. The singer and guitarist is the driving force of the quintet that heralds the new year with a new album.

Their first album for Listenable Records, ‘The Cult’ is a powerful metal release that doesn’t shy away from catchy melodies (‘Whispers From Beyond’). The mentioned song grooves in medium tempo and reminds me in parts of a mix of Zed Yago and pounding teutonic metal, all within the framework of power metal.

Whether ‘The Cult’ really has some cult factor remains to be seen. What can be stated, however, is that the quintet offers quite appealing heavy metal and compared to the predecessor again takes a heavier route. No matter if you listen to the faster ‘Down in the Crypt’ or the thunderous ‘Asenath Waite’, Crystal Viper do not disappoint.

In short, ‘The Cult’ delivers well-crafted heavy metal and can be used for a solid neck muscle workout. Friends of a hard riff and a good melody line should certainly have Crystal Viper on their radar.