VENGEANCE – Crystal Eye

It’s been thirty years since Leon Goewie founded the Dutch Classic Metal masters known as Vengeance. These guys have evolved throughout the years, but one thing still remaining is their straight forward, aggressive Hard Rock formula. Their timeless and relentless approach is what drives their fans to keep coming back for more, and their latest album Crystal Eye is certainly no exception.

Goewie has been the leader, main songwriter, and driving force behind this band since its inception. His once smooth and melodic vocal style has now been aged to a rough and edgy sound. Goewie’s current vocals are reminiscent of a fusion between Marc Storace of Krokus and the late Kevin DuBrow of Quiet Riot. The main reason his vocals sound so similar to those two great vocalists is because the musical technique of the Vengeance compositions also sound very much like those two bands. There is a very distinctive early ’80s sound to Crystal Eye, which is completely centered on Goewie’s vocals.

One thing very evident about Crystal Eye is that there is a raw and unrefined quality about this album compared to their previous efforts. It is clear Goewie is going for a heavier, raucous approach with this album and less with attempting to recreate Melodic ’80s Metal. One of the songs that represent this well is the track “Bad To The Bone,” which features a strong, heavy riff and incorporates a dark, powerful, and intense vocal performance from Goewie.

Another great facet of this album is the outstanding guitar talents of Keri Kelli. Kelli has a very impressive resume that includes playing with Pretty Boy Floyd, Saints Of The Underground, Skid Row, Slash’s Snakepit, and Alice Cooper among others. Kelli produces very natural and driving riffs that propel Vengeance to the edgier sound incorporated on this album. His no frills approach gives this album a more live-sounding feel with toned-down production. Vengeance has fallen victim to over-synthesized performances in the past, but nothing like that is offered here.

One of the most interesting and rebellious tracks on this album is the title track “Crystal Eye.” This is an epic six and half minute composition featuring blistering Tony Iommi-like guitar riffs as well as very passionate and riveting vocals. This track expands Goewie’s vocal talents tremendously as he uses his full range with superb effect. It also helps solidify and prove that Goewie certainly has the pipes to keep up with the best of them.

Crystal Eye may not dish out the most technically mind-blowing musicianship out there, but it’s certainly an extremely strong effort. There are many varying compositions to keep the listener excited and involved. It may get tedious for some because of a dated sound, but the strident, no frills approach makes this one a winner.