Crystal Eyes are back with "Thunder God" album! "Metal Bound" single out today
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Swedish metal veterans Crystal Eyes are back with “Thunder God” , their ninth studio album, set for release on October 30 via Massacre Records. The new record is a perfect blend of classic heavy and power metal, and the melodic, epic and riff-driven elements that have band’s sound for more than three decades.
Today the single Metal Bound from this album has its premiere. Watch the video here.
That’s what band’s founder, Mikael Dahl says about the song: "The lyrics were originally inspired by a vision of humanity leaving Earth after its destruction and searching for a new home among the stars. At the same time, the song carries a second meaning: defending and preserving the legacy of heavy metal itself. Musically, it is a classic marching heavy metal anthem in the tradition of Judas Priest and Accept, complete with a fist-raising chorus built for audience participation".
Founded in 1992 by mastermind Mikael Dahl, Crystal Eyes have always stayed true to the roots of traditional heavy metal. Rather than chasing current trends, the band have built their sound around memorable guitar riffs, strong vocal melodies and a clear affection for the genre’s classic era. “Thunder God” follows that formula across nine new tracks, with plenty of room for both straight-ahead heavy metal and the more melodic side of Crystal Eyes.
Dahl once again handles the vocals and guitars, the production was completed at Studio Fredman, with Fredrik Nordström responsible for the mix and mastering. The artwork comes from Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák.
For Crystal Eyes “Thunder God” is less about reinventing their sound than about continuing to develop what they have always done best: traditional, melody-driven metal with a strong sense of identity and an unmistakable Scandinavian character.
As Mikael Dahl speaks: "We knew it would be a challenge to follow up “Starbourne Traveler”, an album that many fans and critics consider our strongest release to date. With Thunder God, our goal was clear from the very beginning: to raise the bar once again and create an album filled with songs that feel timeless.
The songwriting process was focused on strong melodies, memorable choruses, and powerful hooks. We wanted every track to have its own identity while contributing to a complete album experience. The ambition was to create a record with the consistency and impact of a greatest hits collection, where every song earns its place and nothing feels like filler.
Although I write all the songs, the entire band was deeply involved in the arrangements and production process. Together, we worked hard to refine every detail, making the songs as focused, powerful, and effective as possible without unnecessary detours.
Musically, we have stayed true to the path Crystal Eyes has followed since the band's formation 34 years ago. The spirit and legacy of classic heavy metal bands such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Black Sabbath, Helloween, and Running Wild continue to inspire us, and Thunder God is our tribute to that timeless tradition.
To capture an authentic old-school 1980s heavy metal sound, we used vintage Marshall amplifiers, cabinets, and guitar pedals that are more than 40 years old. The result is a warm, organic, and powerful guitar tone that perfectly complements the music.
For mixing and mastering, we once again teamed up with Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman, a collaboration that has now lasted for more than 20 years. Fredrik has given Thunder God a massive, thunderous sound that delivers both power and clarity.
We are incredibly proud of this album and believe it represents Crystal Eyes at our very best. Thunder God is a celebration of everything we love about heavy metal—melody, power, passion, and unforgettable songs. Turn it up loud!"
