The first glimpse of the artwork may mislead you that it is a matter of black metal. This in fact is a part of the scene clothing (and its lack at places) of the vocalist Valene. What play CRUSHING BLOW? It is time for you to meet a part of the New Wave of French Heavy Metal!
An intro which promises nothing leads you to enter a metal world where the fast riffs and double drumming are diluted by melodic female vocals and enchanting solos. The voice of Valene reminds a lot DORO, and sometimes there is a tease with the hoarse vocals of Janis Joplin. The manner of singing is rather melodic. The lack of keyboards brings on focus the two guitars, which besides their perfect sound could praise with virtuosity! As if their aggression and the melodic singing enter a dialogue.
There are three ballads in the album (the fourth, the sixth and the tenth track) including the eponymous song. They are full of melody and at the same time they have fast heavier parts. If the slower parts become too heavy for you the fast guitars immediately save the good mood.
‘Cease Fire’ is the second album of CRUSHING BLOW after seven years of silence. This time the band has worked hard because their music has its own face and it is indeed fascinating! Without coping anyone CRUSHING BLOW could easily share the stage with bands like TRIOSPHERE, CRYSTAL VIPER and FIREWIND. I only apprehend that their aspiration for melody could get the hard ‘n’ heavy scene into a cliché. But the final track is an enchanting progressive metal with a very beautiful duel – female and male vocals in a great contrast. Très bien! It is obvious that there is more to be expected from the French scene!
