Due to technological advancements in production, the importance of the live album in breaking a band isn’t quite the same as it was during the 70s and 80s. They can be a nice documentation though of where a band has gone over the years. That’s the stage that’s set for Polish band Crystal Viper and their first live album in fifteen years with The Live Quest. Recorded across Europe on the band’s The Silver Key tour promotion cycle, you’ll receive a quick hitting effort that encompasses 40 minutes of solid heavy/power metal that includes a decent cross-section front to back from their vast catalog of records.
The standout components for the group have always been a proper understanding of key melodies / hooks that grab the audience attention to appease listeners at any tempo – twin guitar harmonies, old school rhythms that possess anthem-oriented trademarks, as well as a stellar, captivating vocal presence from Marta Gabriel. Getting the latest material out of the way on the first third of the record (“The Silver Key” title track from the last album a definite standout), the track listing shifts between songs with Maiden-esque meets King Diamond punch like “The Cult” on through to the straightforward Judas Priest-like power potency on “Night of the Sin”. Plenty of devils horns salutes will take place – the crowd willing to participate in specific singing moments with a back-and-forth sequence during “Metal Nation” where Marta unleashes some sinister Halford/Diamond-like falsetto notes that shake the foundations for the good. Ending the set with “The Last Axeman” reaches back into their debut album The Curse of Crystal Viper from 2007 which is still as energetic and impactful now, the guitar lines very catchy in a cultural/theatrical manner as the rhythm section lays down a mix of speed, power, and traditional support.
Those not in the know about Crystal Viper may enjoy The Live Quest most to get a decent peak into the catalog as they become accustomed to their style. Artist Mario Lopez once again gives the band an ideal presentation standing out in the tumultuous waters on a rock formation. If you have never gotten the chance to see (or hear) the band perform in your area, this is a nice, explosive heavy metal document of where the band has gone over the last couple of decades.