Crimson King - mp3

After a five year hiatus, Hansi Kursch and John Shaffer return to their Demons & Wizards project, this time bringing us a conceptual story woven around Stephen King's 'The Dark Tower' series of novels. I'm a big fan of the books, and many consider the storyline King's best work overall -- but that's a topic for another website. Knowing about the references in the songs certainly helps one's enjoyment of this disc, I would think, but it's not necessary. The plotline aside, the music should keep all other fans interested as well -- there are tremendous vocal melodies throughout (as is expected from the lavish Kursch), as well as Shaffer's trademark tight riffing. A solid power metal offering, as once again the two blend elements of their individual bands into their work here.
The solid "Crimson King" opens the album, and a mystical, strong mid-track acoustic section eventually erupts back into a firestorm rhythm, which is an exchange that fans of 'Night of the Stormrider' should enjoy. "Beneath These Waves" is steady, "Seize the Day" is acoustic-based with great layered vocals in the chorus, and "Love's Tragedy Asunder" has an excellent and somewhat slow-paced stutter-chugging rhythm.
"Dorian" kicks things back into high gear with its compact and flowing power, and "Down Where I Am" displays a light/heavy mix. The band again tacks on a classic cover tune, with Led Zep's "Immigrant Song" getting the nod this time.

TRACK LIST: Crimson King/Beneath These Waves/Terror Train/Seize the Day/The Gunslinger/Love's Tragedy Asunder/Wicked Witch/Dorian/Down Where I Am/ Immigrant Song