Swiss Metal - what’s it all about? Not since the halcyon days of the AC/DC clones Krokus in the very early 80’s have I entertained an entire album full of holey cheese, cuckoo clocked financial institutionalized monster metal. Crown of Glory are indeed  sucha Swiss quintet and have obviously been listening to Edguy and Stratovarius as they have a very similar sound, the smooth vocal, fast riffing and melody aplenty. 

Any album can get by on a few goofy riffs and some half decent production but a truly decent effort has to have some well crafted original songs as well.  A Deep Breath of Life sort of meets the criteria, as the songs are well crafted alright and superbly arranged. However there isn’t an original idea in any shape or form. This CD doesn’t stretch or challenge the listener, it does exactly what it says on the tin albeit that it does it very well. 

Fans of the above mentioned bands will be on familiar territory with songs such as “Pathfinder” and “The Prophecy”, epic choruses, soaring guitar solo’s and those chugga- chugga riffs. Most songs have a lush production, with washes of keyboard underpinning the furious rhythm section. With this style of Euro-metal it’s a popular sound but leaves me a little cold as it’s just a little too anodyne and over produced. Everything is high in the mix leaving a rounded but toothless sound, no kick in the guitars, very little bite in the drums. 

But back to the songs, each is well written and produced and, individually, they stand up quite well but, when listened to collectively, it all becomes thata wee bit samey. However, remaining positive, singer Heinz has variety (sorry couldn’t resist, didn’t mention 57 though!!) in his range and it is all beautifully packaged. Just a little more soul, a glint of an original idea and let the guitars have some bollocks and it would improve immeasurably.

Let us know your views on A Deep Breath Of Life

Track Listing

The Calling
Pathfinder
The Raven's Flight
Inspiration
The Prophecy
Save Me
Anthem Of The End
Mirror, Mirror
Ikarus
See You Rise
The Lament Of The Wind

Line Up

Heinz Muther - Vocals
Markus Muther - Guitars
Philipp Meier - Keyboards
Hand Berglas - Guitars
Thomas Merz - Drums