by Karen Compere
— Journalist —
Crystal Viper’s latest studio album, Queen of The Witches, was just recently released, but the Polish band came back with a fantastic EP titled, At The Edge Of Time. Released June 29 via AFM records and available in multiple formats, including digital download, streaming, and 10-inch vinyl. The EP includes five new recordings from the Heavy Metal band.
As it is a short 20 minute EP, the songs come together in a way that makes perfect sense. The album kicks off to a fantastic start with the title track, “At The Edge of Time.” It’s a fast-paced Metal track with the sweetly melodic voice of Marta Gabriel floating on the track in a mesmerizing way.
The lead into “When The Sun Goes Down” is a well thought out version as well. A version of “When The Sun Goes Down” was on the previous album, but this new iteration is called the ‘Giallo Version.’ This version features a church organ that makes the listener pay close attention before the heavy guitars kick into gear. It’s Polish language twin, “Zwiastun Burzy,” while the same song the feel of it is different in another language.
“When Are You” is a Metal ballad with Marta Gabriel’s voice floating over the piano gently. It’s enough to tug at any listener’s heartstrings. The final track on the EP is a cover of Quartz’ “Tell Me Why.” This melodic heavy hitter slides easily around the genre with heavy guitar leads landing firmly in the more rock side of things. If you are a fan of the more classic Heavy Metal genre, this EP comes highly recommended.
Genre: Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Power Metal
Band:
Marta Gabriel – vocals, guitars
Andy Wave – guitars
Blaze J. Grygiel – bass
Tomasz Dańczak – drums
Tracklist –
01. At The Edge Of Time
02. When The Sun Goes Down (Giallo version)
03. Zwiastun Burzy
04. When Are You.
05. Tell Me Why.
Label: AFM Records
Website: http://www.crystalviper.com/ – https://www.facebook.com/crystalviperofficial
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(9 / 10)
