With three decades under their belts, Crystal Ball are well-versed in the art of developing material and recording it as this Swiss melodic hard rock/metal act arrive at this eleventh studio album Crysteria. Developing over thirty songs during the pandemic downtime, even newest second guitarist Peter Berger contributed heavily to the final output – ensuring versatility and variety amongst the eleven final selections (plus two bonus tracks on special edition versions). Add in a couple of special guests plus the premiere production skills of ex-Accept/U.D.O. musician Stefan Kaufmann, and you have the makings of a great, infectious effort.
The main components that grab initial attention and keep listeners engaged for the quintet include a solid twin guitar rhythm base with killer lead break elements, a rock-solid rhythm section backbone that props up those hooks, and the gritty yet potent melodies and harmony support that the vocals give song to song. The finesse and careful class exude plentiful memorable passages on the axe front from Scott Leach plus the aforementioned Peter Berger, whether slower in a methodical clean to electric manner during “You Lit My Fire” or slightly more modern in a driving framework for “Draw the Line” fills the aural spaces brilliantly. One of the guest appearances takes place early on for “Call of the Wild” with Rainbow vocalist Ronnie Romero, nicely trading off the verses and coming together for a stirring chorus with Steven Mageney as the Accept meets Pretty Maids riffs warrant ideal fist banging approval. Expect a decent amount of keyboard support that adds to the commercial factor, supplying easy on the brain main hook angles that keep “Undying” and “Loins on Fire ” top of mind for highlight reel tracks. Of the bonus cuts, “Crystal Heart” has special significance, a joint anthem in songwriting and performance terms with German veterans Jaded Heart – who the band plans to tour with soon, and it’s another pinnacle number due to its larger-than-life chorus and thoughtful, stirring guitar harmonies.
The mechanized snare/kick feel that tends to be a Kaufmann production staple (think Turbo-era Judas Priest) could be a sore spot for some who prefer a natural, organic texture to the drums – but it doesn’t sacrifice the adept professionalism and veteran abilities Crystal Ball deliver on Crysteria. Those who love European-oriented melodic heavy metal and hard rock with a plethora of 70’s/80’s reference points adore the style on display here.