I bought the German band CRYSTALLION’S 2008 release ’Hattin’ by accident and sadly the album never did anything for me. Not even after numerous listens.

But well... everything can change and I do feel differently about CRYSTALLION after about 20 listens to their brand new release ‘Hundred Days’.

‘Hundred Days’ is... of course a “power metal” album but their sound has evolved and you can surely hear hard-rock influences in their music now. The melodies are catchier than ever and if you give this CD the time it needs to blossom you’ll discover a fucking great melodic metal album.

‘Hundred Days’ is a concept album where the focus lies on the hundred days of Napoleon Bonaparte’s return from his first exile on the island of Elba. Napoleon was back at full strength and tried to conquer large parts of Europe until he’s finally beaten in the Battle of Waterloo and sent into exile to the remote island St. Helena.

‘Hundred Days’ has turned out to be a pleasant surprise for me, even though that there’s nothing “new” or groundbreaking... just catchy melodic metal with a great production.

SONATA ARCTICA comes to mind now and then but so what? You rarely hear a guitar in Sonata’s music but at least ‘Hundred Days’ is close to what we all like... namely Hard Rock and METAL.

Do yourself a favour and check them out if Melodic Metal is your thing.