Band: Crystallion Album: Hattin Label: Dockyard 1 Rating: 8.5/10 Website: http://www.crystallion.net BUY NOW!

Since Blind Guardian, Germany seems to have been the founder, base and principal contributor of the raw power metal that we know and love today. The genre boasts a variety of key factors which work together to attract undeniably the largest fan following of all the metal sub-genres. One of these such factors, arguably the most important in terms of distinction between power metal and other heavy genres like thrash, is the unmistakably clean vocal sound that we have come to worship, which is so unique and ultimately empowering. Crystallion, predictably hailing from the mighty home of power metal, Germany, are no exception to the conventional rule and their second album, Hattin, contains some of the strongest vocals in the scene in recent times. While similar to many other lyrical voices presented to us over the years by this ever-unpredictable genre, the fashion in which it accompanies the dense riffs succeeds in forming an easy listening experience, without a doubt topping their debut attempt. Following an epic fast-paced orchestral introduction song and a disappointingly ‘Pop’ sounding second, the third track, ‘Vanishing Glory’ bares an impressive melodic riff pierced by a sudden decrease in tempo leading to an effective, if slightly tedious, vocal solo. This is eventually replaced byyet another notable guitar progression and further envy provoking singing. While all of the other songs bare many of the same qualities, two songs in particular caught my attention. The first of these being at the start of an intriguing trilogy of songs all named ‘The Battle’ followed by the stage of the battle they wish to depict. My favourite is the beginning song of the trilogy, ‘Onward’, which apart from the vocals remind me more of a predictable thrash style than one more commonly attributed to power metal. This song’s rapid tempo gives the desired effect of an army marching to war with clever marching drums accompanying the up-tempo guitar. The second song to get the blood flowing is the final track, purely because of it’s shifting stylistic emphasis…in a way, it incorporates all of the techniques used throughout the album and blends them into an 11 minute masterpiece, perfectly ending a very solid album. Overall…this thrilling album easily surpasses its predecessor. They are a wonderful example to any aspiring band. Crystallion, having listened to criticism, have built upon their first album, which was already an extremely solid work, to construct the fantastic album which sits before me. Any fan of the genre should definitely purchase this album with the expectation that in years to come it may be classed one of the greats. Lewis Klein Back to Reviews