Heavy Metal Resource Reviews-Seventh Crystal, Skillet, Lionville, Paradise Sins, & Storace

Index

'Entity' is the new album from Seventh Crystal and their third full length record. The band has definitely evolved from release to release. They continue to write superb music and add new things in an effort to stay fresh. With this latest release we get some of the band's deeper material subject wise. As I listened to this album looking for meaning, it took me to my own situation. In this day and age it feels like there is so much deceit. Things that I thought I had figured out seem like nonsense to me. Almost like living in the matrix. When you listen to something that strikes that king of thought provoking, you know the band has ascended to a different level. This record not only gets it right in terms of the subject material, but hits a high note when it comes to style and different sounds. I am a huge fan of the band and this is another reason why!

Release Date: November 8, 2024

If you are looking for a slab of modern hard rock with a catchy groove, Skillet is always a good bet. This new record once again offers up the band's usual sound, but in ways feels maybe a bit more mainstream. The dynamics are there but maybe to a lesser degree in places. Not a negative in any way either. Most fans will probably feel this music is pretty recognizable right away. The variety in this album is subtle, but definitely there. There are some good melodic tracks like 'All That Matters' and ''Wedding Day (Alex's Song)'. With all of the music there is a good spirit about this band. I notice they take some heat by factions in the industry, but I say ignore the noise and just do what you do. Skillet has a good upbeat sound that lifts the listener up. The subject material tends to do this as well. I like this new record and hope the band does well with it!

Release Date: November 1, 2024

Some changes this time around. Not necessarily in the music as that part sounds like the winning Lionville formula. This time around, Lars Safsund is no longer fronting the band. A new singer was announced not too far back and fans will know this guy. Alexander Strandell is now handling vocal duties. Fans will know him from Art Nation and Crowne. I absolutely love both bands, but was worried and maybe a bit skeptical. While the two singers are both very melodic, there are differences as well. the good news is, it seems to be working well. The music is definitely Lionville as you have heard them with previous albums. Strandell adds his stamp to the music and sounds quite good. After a couple of listens, I was as addicted to their new music as I always end up being. It's another really good Lionville record. Melodic stuff with a bit of an edge. Excellent!

Release Date: November 15, 2024

This band is new to me. They are an up and coming melodic hard rock band out of the UK. The band started up in 2022 and have released some singles and an EP to date. This new album is an EP as well containing 5 tracks. The music starts off well with the more straight ahead rockers 'Love Like Hell' and 'Beautiful Disaster' before offering up the more melodic 'Slipping Away'. It is at this point where you feel the depth of the band. This tune offers up a bit more atmosphere and feeling. The EP continues with more atmospheric and maybe even slightly progressive sounds with 'Second Renaissance'. Eventually you end up at the final melodic track 'Sacrifice' which is a real gem. The EP is a short journey, but definitely fulfilling. This isn't 80's throwback type melodic rock. Definitely leans in a more modern hard rock direction. This stuff is really good!

Release Date: December 6, 2024

I was disappointed back around 2017 to hear that Krokus was calling it a career. I grew up on that band and spent plenty of my listening time checking out each album. At 73 years old, Marc Storace still has plenty to say. I'm greatful for that too. The music isn't Krokus, but will surely draw the comparisons. The vibe is similar and there is a catchiness to this record. I like the sound overall. It packs a good punch and Marc sounds really good. He's not pushing it vocally like he did in the earlier days with Krokus, but there is no denying it's him. He has assembled a good band with Storace and the music benefits from it. I think fans of Krokus or just gritty sounding hard rock are going to find a lot to like with this album. It has consistency which I always look for. An album where every song counts or as we like to say, all killer and no filler. Easy recommend!

Release Date: November 22, 2024