Label: Fighter Records
Date: January 14th, 2025
After sixteen years, one EP, one demo and four singles, we will all agree, the time has come for Crimson Storm to release their debut album. Great start of the year not just for the band, but for the fans of the subgenre they are representing.
Let’s go to the time machine back in the 80ies. If you have never heard about the band, just take a look at their first video for the song “Nightmare Deceiver”. You are not convinced yet? Then look at the cover art. Still not convinced? You know nothing about the 80ies!
I will not be judgmental, so let’s start from the beginning…
“Motor City Maniac”, their EP released in 2014, clearly defined the direction of the band. From the beginning it was clear that the guys have vision, they have energy and passion, solid production, good musicians and great vocalist. Hans Andersen was later replaced by Pau Correas. Besides EP, Andersen contributed to the single “Speed Hammerin’ Metal” and unfortunately, as far as I know, he is not active anymore. Correas debuted on the “Outrageous” single.
Album contains nine tracks, and you would be surprised that each has its own energy, approach, dimension, experience… The one element that connects all songs is actually that nostalgic sound.
“Night if the Tyrant” is an intro that could easily be transformed to song. Maybe… One day… “Raging Eye of Darkness” is a speed injector. Galloping rhythm, great vocal performance, and very effective and singalong chorus. Call me crazy, but at some parts, not just in this song, Correas sound like Bruce Dickinson’s clone. “Outrageous” was originally released in 2020 and stands out with amazing guitar solos, rebellious lyrics and of course speed. “Abuse of Power” will serve tempo changes, it will bring your pulse rate up and down… Just flows in cycles. But here I realize that my focus is on vocals, and the band has a lot more to offer.
“Nightmare Deceiver”, same as the previous song, was already released as single. As already mentioned, this song is followed by the video. The song combines slow and fast tempo, backing vocals emphasises the overall impression, and if we remember that nostalgic element, here you will start comparing the band with everything you have heard before and make your brain cells work hard to identify the Crimson Storm’s influences. Guitar solos are again very effective but the highlight for me are definitely that backing vocals and again, Buce Dickinson’s wibe. Pay attention when Correas for example sings verses blinding me with twisted illusion… standing toll till your realm will thrall.
If you would ask me which kind of metal Crimson Storm are actually playing, I think they gave the best answer in the song “Speed Hammerin’ Metal”. This song is a real headbanger. The song has a bit of a raw sound, but the beauty of the album is actually hidden in that except the unexpected moment. Lyrically, this song is nothing more but the classic metal anthem, the essence of every not just metalhead, but globally speaking every rocker.
“Harakiri Rendez-vous” has a beautiful, again unexpected, acoustic guitar intro that transforms to pure energy. It is probably the most versatile song on the album and it goes more in the direction of rock than metal. “Headfükker” is my personal favorite. It buy me with its speed and rawness and as the band says it will slam your bones. And in the end, “Seven Days of Mayhem”, an absolute surprise. Even though I do not understand a word, I simply love it! Along with “Headfükker”, the best they did in their fifteen years long career. “Seven Days of Mayhem” should actually be the carrier of the album, the top single, because of its energy, surprise factor (Spanish lyrics) and, in my opinion, the best vocal performance, guitar solos and melody.
If I should choose one word to describe this album, I would say it is energetic. If I should say something about the band, although it is too early to say, the best newcomers. But ask me at the end of the year again.
READY TO STRIKE!
SPEED HAMMERIN’ METAL!
