Crystal Ball: Deja Voodoo

Deja Voodoo sees the return of Swiss melodic metallers Crystal Ball and is their third release since 2013 and ninth overall. The band have been around since 1999 and the current line-up consists of original members Scott Leach (guitar) and Marcel Sardella (drums) who are joined by Steven Mageney (vocals), Cris Stone (bass) and Tony "T.C." Castell (guitar).Very much a band that play to their strengths without really pushing any boundaries Deja Voodoo sees them go down the well-worn path of chugging Priest-like anthems with typically grinding riffs and twin guitar workouts. And of course there are the obligatory couple of lighter-in-the-air metal ballads added to the mix which makes the end result very much a by-numbers kind of album where it is not too difficult to work out exactly what is coming next.

That said there is still very much an audience out there who lap up this tried and tested formula and Crystal Ball are very good at what they do. The title track kicks off the album with a gallop and the mid-tempo 'Reaching Out' has some wonderfully catchy harmony vocals –and it has to be said that Mageney is impressive throughout. 'Home Again' is the pick of the aforementioned softer moments, a well-crafted sombre ballad that mixes up a strong refrain with some smooth guitars. Deja Voodoo is unlikely to see Crystal Ball break out of their European base and make a mark in North America and beyond but overall this is a consistent effort that delivers precisely what you would expect.

Track List:-
Deja-Voodoo
Director's Cut
Suspended
Never a Guarantee
Reaching Out
Home Again
To Freedom and Progress
Time and Tide
Without a Net
Full Disclosure
Fool's Parade
Dr. Hell No
To Be With You Once More

Added: October 6th 2016
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1703
Language: english

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