Demo Title: Dreams
Band Members: Lauri Koskenniemi - guitar; Max Obstbaum - lead and backing vocals; Lari Sorvo - keyboards; Gustaf Standertskjold - drums and vocals; Mikael Gronroos - guitar and bass
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Rating: 3 Skulls
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Band Name: Crystal Blaze
Demo Title: Dreams Band Members: Lauri Koskenniemi - guitar; Max Obstbaum - lead and backing vocals; Lari Sorvo - keyboards; Gustaf Standertskjold - drums and vocals; Mikael Gronroos - guitar and bass Location: Helsinki, Finland Rating: 3 Skulls
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Goatwhore's Review:
In their second demo entitled Dreams, Crystal Blaze - having previously released a demo under the moniker Guardian Force - has produced a demo that isn't groundbreaking, but there is an obvious pursuit of individuality in terms of the band's sound and style. To fairly examine this product, it must be looked upon in proper context. The fact that the members are roughly 20 years old is significant.Perhaps I'm overstating the quality of this band, because while I do enjoy listening to this release, I can't help but reflect upon it and think, "Well, it's not bad, but it's really not that great."
The value of this demo, as ordinarily is the case with so-called "positive" reviews of demos, lies in the fact that it shows the band to clearly be a work in progress and that it shows the (dare I mention the word that has been mentioned over a billion times in demo reviews...and in my grade school report cards) potential of what can become a truly great band. Beyond the ubiquitous notion of potential that's tossed around, there's a certain...something to this band that will peak your sense of curiosity as to what's on the horizon for these guys.
Vagueness and abstraction aside, the band plays a refreshingly non-OTT kind of power metal that steers clear of incessant eighties worship; indeed, there is a definite modern flair to Crystal Blaze. The guitar and bass parts are clearly indicative of true talent, but nothing is done for the sake of showing off. As far as the drumming goes, there is a basic approach that could use a more tasty and crafty approach, but its inclination for heavy metal's power and aggression, complete with punchy double-bass, does effectively translate to the listener and differentiate the band from most bands that are playing this style.
The dedication to the essentials of song writing carries forward in reference to the mid-range vocals, as well. Mid-range vocals do not necessarily equate with "bad" singing by any means. These are probably not the best reference points as far as style goes, but definite examples of quality mid-range vocals can be found in Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed and Lars Goran Petrov of Entombed.
A power metal band that isn't unnecessarily over-the-top, one that writes songs with a dedication to song writing rather than ego stroking...and therein lies the crux of the matter. I enjoy the band's approach, their cohesiveness, and their song-writing prowess (as simple as it can be - just listen to the last minute of the opening song, "Dreams Beyond," for one of its weakest moments), but a part of me yearns for that which I'm obviously critical of - the pomp, the showmanship, and the theatrical flamboyance that is typical of oh-so-many power metal bands. Believe me, as much as I've confused you with this review, you have no idea as to how much I am.
If you're looking for a back-to-basics power metal band, pick up a copy of Dreams...I think...maybe...you should.
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