Since the 1980s, Helsinki heavy metal scene has spawned numerous Finnish heavy metal acts that have since reached a cult status not merely in Finland but internationally as well. Each year dozens of new bands following the footsteps of such legends as Stratovarius and Children of Bodom emerge, while most likely as many split up and fade unknown into the depths of history. However, one of the rising bands that might just reach the cult status of its predecessors is Crystal Blaze, a high energy Helsinki based metal band.
The story of Crystal Blaze goes way back to year 1995 when the first lineup of the band to be evolved into Crystal Blaze was formed. Two of the original founding members of the band, guitarist Mikael Grönroos and vocalist Max Obstbaum are still members of the group. The current lineup started to take shape in 2001 when keyboardist Lari Sorvo and guitarist Lauri Koskenniemi joined the band. The group released one demo and the style of the band..s music at that time was rather straightforward power metal. However, by the release of the next demo, Dreams (2004), the name of the group was changed into Crystal Blaze and the style had undergone changes as well. Mixing elements of all kinds of subgenres of metal into power metal, Dreams was a huge success among fans and critics as well. Just after Dreams was released, Eerik Purdon joined the band to take on the duties of the bass player, thereafter being the last link in the six-piece chain known as Crystal Blaze.
During summer 2006, Crystal Blaze entered the studio to record their second demo, The Punishment. Recorded 4. - 10. of July 2006 at Noisecamp Studios in Turku, Finland, this three-song demo is both a huge step forward compared to Dreams as well as a brilliant showcase of the band..s mature ability in creating amazing songs. The demo also shows that though the band..s members are able to stretch into virtuoso-like personal performances, the band has that special chemistry going on that separates unique bands from others.
In July 2007 Crystal Blaze performed and won the Finnish Wacken Metal Battle qualifier at Qstock Festival in Oulu, Finland. The band was titled Finland's representative in the international Metal Battle competition. Crystal Blaze performed it's first gig abroad, at none other than the world famous Wacken Open Air 2007 festival. The performance was a success and also caught the media's attention.
In March 2008 Crystal Blaze announced Juhana Karlsson as the band's new Drummer. Juhana had the fitting personality, skill and groove to match the drummer's throne in Crystal Blaze. In addition, the band also released it's long awaited EP 'Beneath the Sands'. The title track, 'Beneath the Sands', opens the EP up with raunchy riffs, a catchy chorus and extremely intense doublebass & guitar action. The second song, 'Paradise of Lies' brings one closer to the older Crystal Blaze with its soaring guitar leads and groovy keyboard melodies, but beware of the thrashy part in the middle! 'Storm Arising' demonstrates a newer wave of CB, the wall of sound in the intro turns slowly into a smooth chorus with its astral and industrial keyboards. The gentle vocal melodies, will take you away to a place, where CB has never taken you before. And finally 'My Last Scream' rushes through one's mind with ridiculously fast pace and riffs that force you to bang your head along with the song.
Along with the new line-up as well as the new release, the band has bonded together better than ever - a fact which can definately be heard on the four newly released tracks! Future plans for the band include gigging and composing material for a full-length release. Be sure to check the new Blaze live!
