Monday, April 14, 2014

BOGUSLAW BALCERAK'S CRYLORD / Gates Of Valhalla (2014)

The name of  BOGUSLAW BALCERAK was totally unknown for me till now that I received the promo-kit for this really interesting release. So, before starting this review let's see a couple of things about 'how is how' BOGUSLAW BALCERAK. Balcerak is a Polish guitarist and 'Gates Of Valhalla" is entitled his second album.

CRYLORDS’s was formed in late the 2007 but finding a suitable vocalist in his native homeland proved difficult for Balcerak. So, he set about recording the instrumental parts for the first planned full length album whilst continuing the search for the right vocalists. Boguslaw called three of his favorite singers to sing in his debut, Mark Boals, Göran Edman and Carsten ‘Lizard’ Schulz, and they accepted the invitation immediately. The result was "Blood On The Prophets" (released via Lion Music). Nowadays, this so talented guitarist is ready to unleash opus number two and for this new one he is collaborating with the elite of today's hard 'n' heavy scene and musicians such as Carsten "Lizard" Schulz (Evidence One, Book Of Reflections, ex Domain), Rick Altzi (Masterplan, At Vance, Epysode), Neo-Classical legends Mark Boals (ex Malmsteen, ex Royal Hunt, Ring Of Fire, Iron Mask) and Göran Edman (ex Malmsteen, Karmakanic, Brazen Abbot).

The sound here is a great mix of classic hard 'n' heavy with a strong dose of neo-classic metal sound and some progressive pinches here and there! The album starts with the impressive "Passage To The Other Side". A song that features Carsten Schulz's powerful performances, a heavy but still melodic guitar work and a catchy chorus line. "We Came To Rock" (Boals) is movin' to some classic hard rock paths and recalls memories from bands such as Rainbow and Malmsteen. The guitar solo here is simply breathtaking!! Neo-classical tempos in the next track, "Judgement Day" (Ricky Altzi) while in "Lost Again" we have a huge melodic hard rock gem. Göran Edman takes command the vocal duties here and rocket this song to heaven!!

Closing my review, I have to say that I enjoyed this album a lot! BOGUSLAW BALCERAK's CRYLORD is without a doubt a super group that features a bunch of some really extraordinary singers who sing with passion, an extremely talented guitarist, some impressive songs, plenty of melodies, a tight songwriting that will please every single fan of Rainbow, Whitesnake, Y. Malmsteen and generally every freak of guitar driven melodic hard 'n' heavy music. Recommended stuff!
Heavy Paradise's Rating : 8/10

Track Listing :
01. Passage To The Other Side 02. Gates Of Valhalla 03. We Came To Rock 04. Mirrored Eyes 05. Judgment Day 06. Lost Again 07. Deadnight Serenade 08. House Of Pain 09. Pompeii 10. War Memorial 






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