A rather good album, although it's not breaking any new ground for European power metal.
Sweden's Crystal Eyes have been around for a few years now, with “Chained” their first album for the prestigious Metal Heaven label. As with many of their label mates, Crystal Eyes are a competent enough power metal band with enough of an edge to keep casual listeners interested.
It’s easy to throw comparisons around for this sort of EuroMetal, so I will. Crystal Eyes aren’t a million miles away from the likes of Gamma Ray or Hammerfall, with songs laden with melody and power in equal amounts. Interestingly, there’s also a bit of classic Dio in there somewhere, not least in the opening track ‘Ride The Rainbow’. Vocalist Nico Adamnsen has an impressive range, although to be honest he could be one of a dozen or more singers in the genre, his sub-Halford wailing carrying the songs with ease. As the band wind it down for final track ‘Guardian’ it’s good to hear an impressive, moody ballad after all the chest beating, with Adamnsen showing a voice that isn’t just built for metal singing.
‘Chained’ is a rather good album, although it’s not breaking any new ground for European power metal. In it’s favour is the fact that there’s a surplus of well written, produced and played songs that shouldn’t be ignored by the head banging faithful.
Alan Holloway
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