About 2 years ago Swiss Hard Rockers Crystal Ball released their excellent “Time Walker”
and now they are back with a brand new album called “Secrets”. I’m familiar with 2 more of their albums, namely “Virtual Empire” (2002) and “Hellvetia” (2003)... 2 very good albums in my book. Especially “Hellvetia" is great in my humble opinion, so I was really looking forward to give their new album a listen.
Well... to be honest; “Secrets” does not reach the heights of “Virtual Empire”, “Hellvetia” and “Time Walker”, if you ask me. Don’t worry “Secrets” is still a quite enjoyable piece of Hard Rock. But I’m used to a higher standard from them... and they have taken a tad softer and more melodic direction.
Crystal Ball still knows how to write a catchy riff but I miss a catchy chorus now and then. “Secrets” is nothing spectacular or outstanding but still a solid piece of work, but it need a few spins to grow on you. But even after maybe 15 spins in my CD-player I still find it weaker than their earlier albums.
I could wish for a heavier direction on their next album and a few more memorable choruses would do them good too.
Still... a solid piece of Hard Rock... so check it out.
