Crystal Viper-Crimen Excepta

AFM
2012

Poland's female fronted Crystal Viper return with a concept album about black magic and an inquisition. So keeping with that theme each track has an intro which is basically a few seconds of sound effects pertaining to what's going on in the story. As far the music the band continues on with the traditional metal they have been playing on their previous albums. You hear some Maiden, Priest, Manowar,Mercyful Fate, Warlock, Dio and others in their sound. It's not a whole different than their previous albums. They continue along the same musical trail, but they are quite comfortable and skilled at this type of music. There is never a dull moment on this album, well unless you count those sound effect intros. The vocals of Marta Gabriel are as strong as ever as she easily shows the power of her instrument with every line she sings. The music soars and rips it's way through like it's 1986. I do get the impression that Crystal Viper are feeling even more confident in their music on this album. Even though the style is similar to what they have in the past I already find myself listening to this album a little more than "Legends". Not sure why, but "Crimen Excepta" as a whole pulled me in more. The album includes special bonus track- “Ghosts Of Sherwood” which was recorded for the forthcoming 3D cinema horror movie “Robin Hood: Ghosts Of Sherwood”.