Band: Kreyson Album Title: 20 Years of Kreyson Label: Retroactive Records Barcode/UPC: 845121007176 Lyrics: Yes Tracks: 10 / 36:14 ABOUT THE BAND The Czechoslovakian group KREYSON was founded by Ladislav Krizek (vocalist) in 1989, and became the first Christian metal group from the heart of Europe. The group released Czech and English versions of their first two releases "Andel na Uteku“ (Angel On the Run - 1990) and the follow up "Krizaci“ (Crusaders - 1991). For these classic releases the group was awarded Gold Records. Both Kreyson albums released in Germany (Flame Trader) and Japan (JVC) in the 1990s. ABOUT THE ALBUM With 20 Years of Kreyson, the band headed back into the studio and re-recorded 10 of their fan favorite classic tunes for their first ever North American release! Recent triumphs from the likes of Saxon, Ross the Boss, and Impellitteri further the resurgence for true metal, and on 20 Years.... KREYSON proves they can still strike the irons like the 90's never happened! This disc is full on, fist in the air assuault of power chords, polished guitar solos, and searing vocal harmonies! In short, this is the type of release that not only gives 80's metal purists a reason to go out and buy new music, but allows the new breed of headbangers to march forward with pride! Let 20 Years serve as an important reminder that the majestic, melodic Classic Metal sound always prevails!!! ANGELIC WARLORD . COM REVIEW (8/10 rating) The Czech Republic is home to Kreyson and its choice brand of classic melodic metal. The group was founded in the late eighties by vocalist Ladislav Krizek prior to recording Czech and English versions of its first two albums, Andel na Uteku (Angel On the Run) from 1990 and Krizaci (Crusaders) from 1991. Following up with the all Czech efforts Elixír Života (1993) and Zákon Džungle (1995), Kreyson later released Angel On The Run and Crusaders in Germany (Flame Trader) and Japan (JVC) in addition to a 1996 compilation entitled, appropriately, The Best Of Kreyson. After going on extended hiatus, Kreyson regrouped in 2008 by putting out its first and only live album, Noc plná hvìzd Tøinec 2007. Kreyson continued to stay active by returning to the studio a year later to re-record ten of its classic songs of the past for its first North American release on Retroactive Records, 20 Years Of Kreyson. What we have in Kreyson is melodic metal with the occasional speed metal, power metal and neo-classical influence. Now, at this point it must be noted that 20 Years Of Kreyson includes re-recorded versions of seven songs off Angel On The Run, one from Crusaders and two, I am willing to guess, that appeared on either of the two Czech releases, Elixír Života or Zákon Džungle. It also must be pointed out that the material here features new song titles and lyrics (in a bolder and more forthright direction) as well. In other words, for those that own the originals, you will recognize the music but not necessarily the song titles (I will let you figure out which is which). Musically, 20 Years Of Kreyson is a very strong release in that all its material brings the needed elements to garner your full attention: notable chorus hooks, fiery guitar solos, high end vocals and pummeling drums. The energetic but catchy sounds of “Judgement Day”, “Cursing And Crying”, “Ten”, “Parable” and “Endure The Night” support this best. When the band steps it up a notch, such as on “Warrior Angel”, it approaches speed metal territory while the more tempered sounds of “The Lord Will Come” and “Mary”, in contrast, prove no less able. The band, all around made smart decisions in terms of the material it re-recorded, although they did overlook my all time favorite Kreyson song, “Crusaders”. Ladislav Krizek shines with his high end and melodic vocal approach. Cutting loose with several trademark screams and falsettos throughout the project (just check out the chorus to “Cry Out”), Ladislav can add an element of grit to his delivery as well (such as on “Ten”). It also must be reinforced the work of talented guitarist Radek Kroc, who stands out with his select soloing abilities on “Cursing And Crying”, “Parable” and “The Lord Will Come”. If you are interested in a tight rhythm section then look no further than the team of bassist Ludek Adamek and drummer Zdenek Pradlovsky. Production values fail to disappoint – the band knows its way around in the studio – although the lead vocals are placed a bit forward in the mix. The only constructive comment to offer regarding 20 Years Of Kreyson is that the band could have done a bit more with the project. Rather than an album of re-recorded material, for instance, wouldn’t it have made better sense to simply re-issue Angel On The Run and Crusaders? That, of course, is easier said than done in that we do not know the type of “red tape” that might have stood in the way of a potential re-issue of either. But if you are going to re-record your past material, why settle for only ten songs (and just over 35 minutes of music)? Those who own the groups back catalog are well aware that 20 Years Of Kreyson could easily have featured up to 14 or 15 quality tracks. And that leads to my final point: Why not turn the project into a two CD release instead, with the first being made up of material from Angel On The Run and Crusaders and the second English versions of the better songs off the two Czech releases (that most people have not had the opportunity to hear). “Judgement Day” gets the album going in rollicking fashion, pummeling its full length to a substantial drum sound and Ladislav’s trademark melodic screams in abundance. Deep backing vocals step forward to sustain its driving chorus. “Judgement Day” proves aptly entitled: Just as the sages long ago foretold Just as the prophets prophesied of old Just as He said, the heavens will be opened Just as you read the time has come Oh, Kreyson – flights of angels Oh, Judgement Day – light forever “Cursing and Crying” might reduce the tempo – if only somewhat – but not the quality. With its razor edged riffs and settled mid-paced impetus, the song establishes a forceful environs for its verses only to gain initiative for a chorus on the guttural side of things. A three minute burst of energy might be the best way to describe “Ten”. Upbeat in tempo although commercial in form, the song proves a hook driven monster with its catchy chorus and infectious guitar harmonies. Stryper is the first thing to come to mind here. Ladislav exhibits the full range to his voice on “Cry Out” an upbeat hard rocker which finds him cutting loose with some high-end falsettos during its spirited chorus. The song, otherwise, starts slowly to a stretch of melodic based riffing before kicking into the high-octane momentum that carries its distance. Crying out to God is the subject at hand: When you are all alone And no one hears you cry When every day is just Another chance to die There is someone Who feels your pain inside Waiting for you to hear Him calling And cry “The Lord Will Come” brings some power metal touches with its stately ambience. As a matter of fact, put this on any Sacred Warrior album and it would sound right at home. What I particularly enjoy about the song is how it decelerates for its bridge as the bass guitar moves to the front of the mix. Lyrics are spot on as well: There is a King who is higher He’ll judge all your works with holy fire Come, come on And bow before Him Come, sooner or later You will behold Him in all His glory The Lord will come in judgement And we well all answer to Him “Mary” borders on ballad territory. The song stands out as a melodic based piece, opening to a gently played guitar before moving on to a stretch of bluesy lead guitar. As it moves forward, “Mary” jumps back and forth between tranquilly driven passages and others carried at the more decisive tempo with the rhythm guitar receiving a prominent mix. “Parable” delivers its share of variety, ranging from striking double bass storms, falsetto screams, mercurial lead guitar and time changes of a near technical capacity. Momentum peaks for a chorus that borders on the breathtaking. Albums best track. “Parable” draws its lyrics from the Parable of the Sower: Seeds are falling like rain from heaven Landing here inside my heart Each one ready to bear fruit Seeking a place where it can start growing Birds hungry and dark Could steal the seeds Land, swallow them up And fly away Where can they grow and take root? Where can they grow and bear fruit? “Stay”, in contrast, heads in the more straightforward direction. Mid-paced melodic metal, the song plows through its weighty verses only to gain momentum upon acquiring a chorus written from the standpoint of God: Stay a moment here on your knees Let me fill You with my love and my truth Stay a moment here on your knees I’m waiting here just to talk to you “Endure The Night” opens to Ladislav’s spoken word delivery underlined by a quietly played guitar. The song moves forward at a decisive tempo once a metal laced guitar takes over, putting in place a near imposing setting while delivering its share of moments that are finesse filled and others with a decidedly muscular edge. Chorus wise, this one approaches the grand and stately. “Warrior Angel”, a song that could easily be described as the Angelic Warlord namesake, almost closes on speed metal territory with its furious momentum. Yes, this one is fast but it is also surprisingly catchy in combining a profound chorus hook with a tempestuous milieu. The topic discussed is spiritual warfare: The hosts of heaven The hordes of hell Are locked in battle And your heart is the battlefield The war is raging all around You can’t escape it You cannot see me But I’m your warrior angel The war goes on around you Only you can decide But I can defend you For I’m your warrior angel My all around feeling is that I would have liked 20 Years Of Kreyson to include a couple more songs; that said, you cannot fault the group for the material that it chose to re-record. The strong band performance and solid production values add to the albums quality. If you missed Angel On The Run and Crusaders (both long out of print) then by all means get this. Even if you own the originals you will still want to pick up 20 Years Of Kreyson to hear the new interpretation of the bands classic material. Review by Andrew Rockwell Track Listing: “Judgement “Day” (3:57), “Cursing And Crying” (3:40), “Ten” (3:01), “Cry Out” (3:02), “The Lord Will Come” (3:38), “Mary” (3:53), “Parable” (4:27), “Stay” (3:27), “Endure The Night” (4:25), “Warrior Angel” (2:46) Musicians Ladislav Krizek – Lead Vocals Radek Kroc – Guitars Ludek Adamek – Bass Zdenek Pradlovsky - Drums WHITE THRONE REVIEW by Keven Crothers Coming from Czechoslovakia is Kreyson, “the first Christian metal band from the heart of Europe.” For many this will be their first exposure to this heavy metal juggernaut, even though the band has been around for 20 years. The reasons being only two of their previous releases were in English and they were never officially released here in the US. (If you can find them they would command a pretty penny I’m sure) Appropriately entitled “20 Years of Kreyson” the bands first US release is a compendium of songs written over the bands entire career. Solid heavy metal from beginning to end. Kicking it off with the up-tempo “Judgment Day” and closing with “Warrior Angel” Kreyson show they mean business. Reminiscent of Armored Saint, Saxon and Barren Cross in the heaviness department this is heavy metal in the traditional ‘bang yer head’ fashion, yet retaining some ‘commercial’ sensibilities. There is a european flavor here that simply must be tasted. I mention those band references in particular because all of them have written some fabulous melodies and Kreyson is no slouch in that department. Just a listen to “Endure the Night”, “Mary” or “Stay” and you’ll know what I mean. “Endure the Night” demands an immediate second listen, it’s encouraging lyrics and solid melodic foundation will have you humming and singing before long. I’ve always been a fan of more upbeat and fast metal material. On this front Kreyson deliver, not speed metal or thrash but just up tempo material. “Warrior Angel”, “Cry Out”, “The Lord Will Come” fills that void nicely. Many times I would hear reviewers say ‘melody’ and immediately I think of overtly commercial and rather weak songs. That is not the case here. The guitars are solid, with some excellent solos courtesy of Radek Kroc. Zdnek Pradlovsky (drums) and Ludek Adamek (bass) provide the backbone in the rhythm department. To these ears the vocals of Ladislav Krizek at times remind me of Ulf Christiansson from Jerusalem. The production is strong and clean. Myself I coulda handled the guitars being a bit more upfront in the mix. In comparison to the other Kreyson releases I’ve heard this one had a slightly different feel and sound. Not as much of the ‘big sound’ but that doesn’t deter from the material. What isn’t clear to me is whether this is actually new material or re-recorded material. Having checked track lists off of their English language releases I do not see any of the same song titles, so perhaps these are songs from their Czech releases. I understand these were fan favorites, picked for this release. Another item to point out is the inclusion of a video clip for the song 'Salome'. A very cool slow song and a nice video presentation makes this a really nice addition to an already solid offering. (thanks to Matt for pointing out my neglect! argh...) If you’re looking for some good heavy metal with the ability to sing along and have a chorus stuck in yer head this be the disc! LABELS: 20 YEARS OF KREYSON REVIEWS, HEAVY METAL REVIEWS, KREYSON REVIEWS, RETROACTIVE RECORDS, WHITE THRONE REVIEW MELODIC . COM REVIEW Kreyson is a Czech heavy metal band that has released multiple albums over the 20 years. So the Christian label Retroactive Records has gathered 10 songs from their back-catalogue and the tracks has been re-recorded for this release. I had never heard of this band before I held their album in my hand and they sound good and solid. This is heavy metal in the same style as Helloween, Accept and Saxon. The production is crystal clear and their singer sings very good and powerful. There’s couple of really nice tracks and they really got the potential to catch attention. Cursing And Crying is a riff strong metal song with nice melodies and the chorus is very good. Ten is a good rocker filled with great riffs and hooklines. Mary is a strong mid-tempo rocker that reminds of Saxon. Parable is the highlight of the album, this is a true heavy metal melodic rocker with a superb chorus. If you haven’t heard of Kreyson and are into heavy metal and looking for new discovery’s then this is a great opportunity to check out Kreyson and what they have done in the past. A nice collection of songs.