When I heard that Demons & Wizards were going to put out another album, I was ecstatic. I was anxious to hear what the competent duo of Jon Schaffer and Hansi Kursch would put out next. I already knew how dexterous these guys were in their own bands, and I knew that they wouldn't dissatisfy we power metal fans with their new release. I assure you that when I had listened to the album, I was covered in goose bumps. Oh, and take a guess if I listened to it again. Of course! The thought of putting this album back in my CD case sickened me.

Demons and Wizards are:

Hansi Kursch: Vocals
Jon Schaffer: Rhythm, Bass, Lead & Acoustic Guitars

I discovered that the title of their new release was called Touched by the Crimson King. I then learned that vocalist Hansi Kursch had chosen the title based on a Stephen King book. I knew Hansi had a large interest in fantasy related books and movies, so the subject of the title was somewhat predictable. The opening track is very mystical to say the least, especially the introduction. The chorus consists of Hansi along with back up shouts of the album's title, and it is difficult to resist singing along, or at least attempting to. There are both very heavy moments and very relaxing moments that make up this song. The outro sounds very Iced Earth-ish. Well hey, that's no surprise, considering that the outstanding guitarist Jon Schaffer is in Iced Earth, the founding member in fact.

I once heard in an interview with Jon that he doesn't consider himself that good of a guitarist. Well, it sounds to me that regardless of what he states about his guitar playing, he is a stupendous guitarist. The swift guitar riffs that he play that require rapid picking are a sign that this guy can play not only good, but great. Here's a perfect example, "Terror Train". This was the first single released off of this album, and it's definitely one of my favorites. Throughout the whole song, there are the many monstrous guitar riffs that I have spoken of, along with a lot of double bass on the drums.

"Seize the Day" is one of the more calm gentle songs on the album. You can easily tell that Hansi sings with much passion in his voice. Like many other tracks on the album, Jon Schaffer sings along with Hansi at times. The blend of both of their voices sounds terrific. Jon shows that he can handle an acoustic guitar as well as electric. Hansi hits his high notes at the right times. The song has a great finishing touch, considering that it ends with a thrilling guitar solo by Jon.

The album only gets better with the next track, "The Gunslinger". I have also noticed that the title of this song is based on a Stephen King novel. The track begins with a soothing acoustic riff that soon converts into something that you can go wild to. As the heaviness kicks in, Hansi sings with a higher pitch in his voice to rush the adrenaline of their listener. Schaffer uses his distinct way of playing the guitar in this song, as well as the others on this album. At the end of the song, there are a few short drum solos that are played at breakneck speed. The chorus consists of Hansi declaring:

"Done is Done
Yes, there will be no taking back
Every journey must come to and end
All hail to the Gunslinger
Praise to the Dinh and the King
Beyond our reach, out of control"

"Down Where I Belong" is a song that is very passionate, just like the other acoustic songs on the album. Approximately the first half of the song includes the acoustic guitars, and then the electric guitar comes in with awe-inspiring slow riffs. Jon Schaffer plays yet another tremendous guitar solo that slowly fades away with the song. "Immigrant Song" launches with a VERY catchy guitar riff that loops throughout the whole song. Hansi does some echoey howls both at the beginning and end of this amazing song. Don't strain the vocal chords when you try to howl along with him, it's difficult.

This album can appeal to many. Metalheads of all kinds can/will thoroughly enjoy this record. There are plenty of heavy moments along with many lenient times that make up this album. Hansi's voice is definitely one of a kind, and he can sing whichever way best blends with the mood of the song. So next time you lurk your local CD store, be positive that you pick this album up, because there are very slim chances that you will possess hatred for it.

TRACK LISTING:

1. Crimson King
2. Beneath the Waves
3. Terror Train
4. Seize the Day
5. The Gunslinger
6. Love's Tragedy Asunder
7. Wicked Witch
8. Dorian
9. Down Where I Belong
10. Immigrant Song
11. Lunar Lement
12. Wicked Witch [slow version]
13. Spatial Architects
14. Beneath These Waves [Edit]

RELATED REVIEWS:

Blind Guardian - Imaginations from the Other Side
Iced Earth - Something Wicked this way Comes
Iced Earth - The Dark Saga
King Diamond - Them/Conspiracy
Nightwish - Wishmaster

Recommended: Yes