Crystal Ball: Deja Voodoo

It’s hard to believe that Swiss melodic hard rock/heavy metal band Crystal Ball has been around for nearly two decades. Their latest album, titled Deja Voodoo, is their ninth studio release, and their third since vocalist Steven Mageney joined the band.

At this point, Crystal Ball has pretty much perfected their brand of melodic metal. It’s part heavy metal and part hard rock, and all super-catchy. The closest counterpart is fellow Swiss band Shakra, but Crystal Ball is in the same general area as Pink Cream 69, Evidence One and Pretty Maids.

Deja Voodoo is a great example of what Crystal Ball is all about. It has a satisfying metal crunch, catchy melodies, choruses to sing/shout along with, and just feels fun. I suppose heavy metal isn’t supposed to be fun and quirky, but hey, it works. And if you can resist songs like “Time and Tide,” “Suspended” and “To Freedom and Progress” maybe you’re just a little dead inside.

There are no real surprises here. Deja Voodoo will more than satisfy long time Crystal Ball fans, and fans of bands like Shakra, Pretty Maids, Evidence One and Freedom Call ought to really enjoy it as well.

crystal