The band CRYSTAL LAKE formed in Tokyo in 2002, and last year, released the sixth album of their career. With a sound that recalls bands like Limp Bizkit and Trivium, THE SIGN was one of the best releases of 2015. On November 13th, it was launched to the international market by British label JPU Records.
Moving to the first track, listeners are offered an instrumental, Astra, that could well be part of the soundtrack of a post-apocalyptic movie. You are then sent diving into Prometheus, where Ryo’s growling and screaming contrasts with the melodic guitars, mixing in rap at times. This is repeated in Dreamcatcher.
The band didn’t work alone in the making of the album. On THE SIGN can be found various collaborations with bands like FACT, The Prophet Said Survive and NAME IN HER BLOOD. The collaboration of FACT vocalist Hiro is the highlight of the song Mercury, where the raspy voice of Ryo is contrasted with his high, melodic vocals.
THE SIGN is a record of homogeneous but solid, powerful music that’s enjoyable from the very first chord. The heavy sound, contrasting melodic lines and Ryo’s heartbreaking voice will shake your mind and transport to an explosive world.
To purchase THE SIGN from JPU Records, click here.
