Crystal Ball
Secrets
Rating
Style: Hard Rock
Release date: November 16th 2007
 

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.


Tracklist
01. Moondance
02. I Will Drag You Down
03. Minor Key
04. It's Not Love
05. Time Has Come
06. Secrets
07. Wings of Fire
08. Dreaming of You
09. Destiny
10. I'll Be Waiting
11. Face the Truth
Label: AFM Records
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Artwork rating: 50/100
Reviewed by: Peter Laursen
Date: November 6th 2007
Website: www.crystal-ball.ch