A Crystal Vision: Twentieth Anniversary

米コネチカット出身のヘビー・メタル・バンド、Sacred Oathが1988年にリリースしたアメリカン・パワー・メタル・シーンに残した名盤『A Crystal Vision』が遂にリイシューされる。アルバム・アートワークはバンドメンバーであるKenny Evans(ドラム)によってデザインされている。

The debut album by Sacred Oath, 1988's A Crystal Vision, has turned out to be a cult classic of sorts -- the main reason being because the group disbanded shortly after the album's original release, but managed to be discovered by die-hard metalheads over the years. In 2001, the album was finally reissued with bonus tracks, and for fans of vintage '80s metal -- a la King Diamond and first wave thrash bands -- A Crystal Vision may be quite a sonic treat for those who once (or still do) displayed their proud devotion to the mighty mullet. Singer/guitarist Rob Thorne sounds similar to the aforementioned former singer of Mercyful Fate, while he and second guitarist Glen Cruciani have no problem reeling off spine-tingling six-string riff gymnastics, especially on such glorious headbangers as the album opener, "Two Powers," as well as "Magick Son" and the title track. For the audio equivalent of Heavy Metal Parking Lot, A Crystal Vision is a must-hear. ~ Greg Prato|

The debut album by Sacred Oath, 1988's A Crystal Vision, has turned out to be a cult classic of sorts -- the main reason being because the group disbanded shortly after the album's original release, but managed to be discovered by die-hard metalheads over the years. In 2001, the album was finally reissued with bonus tracks, and for fans of vintage '80s metal -- a la King Diamond and first wave thrash bands -- A Crystal Vision may be quite a sonic treat for those who once (or still do) displayed their proud devotion to the mighty mullet. Singer/guitarist Rob Thorne sounds similar to the aforementioned former singer of Mercyful Fate, while he and second guitarist Glen Cruciani have no problem reeling off spine-tingling six-string riff gymnastics, especially on such glorious headbangers as the album opener, "Two Powers," as well as "Magick Son" and the title track. For the audio equivalent of Heavy Metal Parking Lot, A Crystal Vision is a must-hear. ~ Greg Prato