Crystal Ball released their first album in 1999 with In The Beginning. After the successful release of their 8th album, Liferider, in 2015, Crystal Ball are back with their next effort Déjà-Voodoo which will be released September 2016 on Massacre Records. Original members Scott Leach (guitar) and Marcel Sardella (drums) are joined by Steven Mageney (vocals), Cris Stone (bass) and Tony “T.C.” Castell (guitar).
With Liferider finishing 5th in my Top 10 releases of 2015 I have been waiting to get my hands on this CD to review this amazing band from Switzerland.
The album starts off with the title track “Déjà-Voodoo”. Right away it sounds like a continuation of the powerful rocking sound of Liferider. Crank this hard rocking melodic track, it will not disappoint. “Director’s Cut” keeps the spirit up with the hard hitting drumming of Sardella and the fast paced guitar sound backing up the vocals of Mageney perfectly.
“Suspended” will have you singing along with another toe tapping, head bobbing, rocking track that I would guess might be a single.
“Never A Guarantee” gives us a more melodic feel without slowing the pace down. “Reaching Out” is another great rock song before slowing things down with “Home Again“. Mageney sings with intensity, keeping this ballad true to the melodic rock sound fans have loved for 17 years of Crystal Ball.
Next up are To “Freedom And Progress“, and “Time and Tide“. A couple of amazing hard hitting tracks. Eight songs in and I am wondering if this album will top the amazing Liferider release?
“Without A Net” has a slower feel throughout with a powerful melodic chorus.
I highly recommend buying this release right away. The limited edition will get you the two bonus tracks; “Full Disclosure” and “Fool’s Parade“. “Fool’s Parade” has a darker feel but a welcome one as it is so different from the rest of the album.
Next is the hard hitting thundering sound of “Dr. Hell No” before slowing us down to the finale “To Be With You Once More“. Another wonderful ballad that shows the versatility of the incredible vocals of Mageney.
For any hard rock, metal or melodic rock music fan, this is a must have in your collection. If you are new to Crystal Ball then it is time to find out their musical history. You will have a great back catalog of releases to go through. In your history lesson, start off my two favourites; Déjà-Voodoo, and Liferider. Afterwards, you can listen to the other releases. Click here to read my review of their 2015 release Liferider. I thought Liferider was amazing and wondered how they can top it. They did with this new release.
We have not had the privilege of seeing Crystal Ball live in North America, but maybe as their fan base grows they will make it out of Europe. We can only dream!! For the European fans, see Crystal Ball live as they open up for fellow Swiss mates Shakra on their upcoming tour.
Shawn “Animalize” Irwin
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