#4 - Top of 2017

Crystal Viper - Queen of the Witches (AFM Records)

Crystal Viper blast their way into the top 5 of 2017 with the powerful vocals and guitars by the amazing Marta Gabriel, one of the best female vocalists in a metal band right now! Straight from the start "The Witch Is Back" showcases strong and impressive vocals along with heavy riffs (Andy Waves) and drum beats (Golem) with the pace being picked up in the "I Fear No Evil" (with an  epic closing riff). The heavier (Manowar-reminiscent) "When the Sun Goes Down"is a highlight and personal favourite which is followed by the melodic "Trapped Behind" an interesting ballad that acts as a transition to the galloping "Do or Die" (with guest guitars from Ross The Boss) and "Burn My Fire Burn" which are tailor-made for sing along in live concerts! "We Will Make It Last Forever" (with guest vocals by Steve Bettney from Saracen) is another amazing power ballad that acts as an emotional interlude before the striking "Rise of the Witch Queen" that perfectly closes the record and concludes for now the adventures of the queen of the witches who "rises from the fire" to "rule forevermore"!
The great Grim Reaper cover "See You in Hell" and the awesome album cover art by Andreas Marschall, who has worked with many metal bands including Blind Guardian and Grave Digger are the finishing touches to one of the best records in Crystal Viper back catalogue and a worthy number 4 for 2017!
 

97/100

Below are the music videos for the songs "The Witch Is Back" and "When the Sun Goes Down".