One most always be wary of sequels. For every The Empire Strikes Back, there’s a Blues Brothers 2000. If you previously weren’t aware that there was a Blues Brothers movie without Mr. “Joliet” Jake Blues himself, John Belushi, I’m sorry to have ruined your day. What’s sure to brighten your mood, however, is that euro power metal powerhouse Crystal Viper are back with their 9th studio album, The Silver Key. The album was initially to be titled The Cult 2, and for good reason as it continues to explore the Lovecraftian themes of its 2021 predecessor.
Another recurring theme of sequels is being of a lesser quality than the work it’s expanding upon. I’m happy to say this is anything but the case with The Silver Key. While a lot has changed in the past few years, what hasn’t changed is Marta Gabriel and company’s commitment to cranking out top shelf power/speed metal that satisfies every old school tradition. The album manages to accomplish this without coming off as a blatant rehash of The Cult (sorry orcs, there’s no folk metal to be found on this one), yet still being of the same vein spiritually and sonically.
What’s perhaps most unique about The Silver Key is its dark, aggressive edge. There’s an underlying ferocity to breakneck cuts like “Fever of the Gods”, “Book of the Dead”, and “Cosmic Forces Overtake” which almost recall that of ’80s euro thrash. This is especially heard in the supersonic riffing of guitarists Andy Wave and Eric Juris, and pulverizing drumming of newcomer Kuba Galwas who wastes no time introducing himself. Hell, Gabriel even unleashes a growl at the end of “Fever”, but fear not purists: Crystal Viper aren’t planning on treading the Arch Enemy path anytime soon.
True to the Crystal Viper tradition, there’s no shortage of mystically powerful songs in the vein of Chastain and Dio, alluring us with picturesque lyrics, daring compositions, and an all around old school atmosphere. This is especially noticeable on cuts like “Old Host in the Mist”, “The Key is Lost”, and “The Silver Key”, in which the hooks and melodies enchant and delight. To really double down on the pomp factor, there’s even a full blown piano ballad entitled “Wayfaring Dreamer”, in which Gabriel’s vocals soar to their absolute peak. Perhaps this upcoming solo album she’s teasing is a purely piano and vocal affair à la Celine Dion?
As enjoyable as Crystal Viper have been (I dare you to find a “weak” album in their canon), their bite only continues to become more venomous with time. Unlike so many of their euro power metal peers who are plagued by over-production and tired clichés, Crystal Viper keeps it raw, traditional, and most importantly, exciting. On a scale between The Empire Strikes Back and Blues Brothers 2000, The Silver Key most definitely lies closer to The Empire Strikes Back. I hope they go for the hat trick with a Return for the Jedi (albeit inspired by the works of Lovecraft again, not Lucas).
9 out of 10
Label: Listenable Records
Genre: Power Metal
For fans of: Chastain, Riot, Dio