What's New: Crystal Tears
"ATHANATO": WHEN GREEK SPEED METAL PUNCHES YOU IN THE FACE (AND YOU ASK FOR MORE)
Watch the VideoOkay, let’s cut the crap: Crystal Tears just dropped Athanato, their fifth fucking album, and it's a goddamn monster. Formed in '97, these Greek speed/power metal maniacs have been grinding away, and this time? They didn't just bring riffs: they brought guests. Jay Walsh (Xentrix), Mike Wead (King Diamond/Mercyful Fate), Helena Josefsson (Roxette, yeah that Roxette), and a fucking Guns N' Roses cover that sounds like it was ripped straight from a Terminator 2 bar brawl. Produced by drummer Chrisafis Tantanozis and mixed by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Kreator, Behemoth, need I say more?), this thing hits like a sledgehammer wrapped in melody.
The title track "Athanato" kicks off with a thrashy snarl: Antony's vocals are raw, the drums are relentless, and the solos? Pure Xentrix-level chaos. Then there's "Bloodstorm", where Mike Wead's solo twists the song into something blackened and progressive, like Mercyful Fate on steroids. "Naked" throws a curveball with Helena Josefsson's ethereal vocals, but don't worry, the guitars still shred like a chainsaw through butter. And "You Could Be Mine"? Holy shit. Jay Walsh's bass growl and Antony's snarl turn a GN'R classic into something heavier, darker, like if Axl Rose had a lovechild with early Slayer.
"All Sins Remembered" and "Crawl Into Your Grave" are the kind of tracks that'll have you headbanging in your kitchen at 3 AM. Catchy as hell, brutal when they need to be, and live-ready: imagine a crowd screaming those choruses back at them. "Ghostdance" and "Ov Flesh And Pain" double down on the aggression, while "Nosi Balasi" (a cover of a Filipino rock anthem) is a wild, unexpected detour that somehow works. And "Eros & Psyche"? A fucking instrumental that proves these guys can play their asses off without needing to scream over it.
Look, this album isn't just good: it's alive. It's got guts, it's got guests, it's got soul. If you like your metal fast, furious, and with a side of nostalgia (but not the cheesy kind), stream Athanato now. And if you don't? Well, fuck you, more for the rest of us.
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"Crystal Tears' 'Athanato' is a high-energy, guest-packed assault that successfully blends speed, power, and thrash metal elements. The album is a testament to the band's longevity and ability to evolve, delivering a diverse and engaging experience with powerful vocals, crushing riffs, and unexpected collaborations. It's a dynamic and exciting release that stands out in the genre."
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