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Crystal Tears: Generation X

Melodic/Power/Heavy Metal

Rating: 3.5/5.0

7Hard Records
www.myspace.com/crystaltearsgr
www.7hart.de
Review: Craig Hartranft,  05.31.2010

For years from their debut Crystal Tears, lead by drummer Chrisafis Tantanozis, returns with Generation X. Gone is lead singer Natasa Pandreia for veteran Ian Parry (Vengeance, Elegy, Ayreon, et al), who also supplies the lyrical content. As expected from a band formed around a drummer, Generation X is hard charging from beginning to end, quite heavy power metal. Thankfully, there's a strong current of melodic metal infused within most songs. Sometimes it strongly apparent as Nightmare Serenade or In The Beginning. Other times it comes from Parry's melodic vocal arrangements (Flesh n Bone) or the guitar solo segue (Crystal Tears). Except for the heavy bottom end and rhythm section, the former song could pass for heavier melodic hard rock thanks to some catchy hooks. Yet, even when you think you might get a reprieve from the intensity as on Crystal Tears, with Parry's vocals over acoustic guitar at the beginning, the song gets into blistering power metal. Generally, if you're not a fan of genuine power metal, the incessant pace may put you off unless, of course, you're willing to listen more carefully (and maybe restrain you're credulity). Nevertheless, if you do have doubts about European power metal, and would prefer your heavy metal both heavier and intense, you should explore Crystal Tears Generation X.

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Crystal Tears returns with Generation X, an album of heavier, unrelenting, and intense European power metal. It's sure to have naysayers of the generation thinking twice in interest, or at least scratching their heads in disbelief.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]