Crowne are back with their sophomore release, “Operation Phoenix”, releasing January 27th through Frontiers Music SRL.
I enjoyed their debut album, ” Kings of the North”, that came out in 2021 (review here). The question for album number 2, can it hold up to their debut? I have that answer now.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know my thoughts on “Super Groups”. In my opinion, most aren’t super at all. Crowne is one of the few exceptions. They can use the term without objection from me. With this second album, they have solidified the super in this group, not just as solo talent, but as a whole.
As with the first album, the new album contains 11 tracks for you to enjoy. From the beginning track the band came ready to fight! The power of the album wasn’t a build-up, it was a punch of music straight away. It didn’t stop with the opening track, it carried through the entire album.
This album is filled with anthemic rock tracks that will catch you off guard and have your head nodding. The creativity in each track mixed with the musical prowess will provide listeners with pure joy.
My favorite guitar solos came with the tracks “Juliette”, “The Last of Us”, and “Roar”. Cool arrangements and moments that had me saying “Oh… yes… wait, what was that?” When it comes to picking a favorite track, I am going to have to listen to the album a few more times because this task is a hard one!
One thing I noticed on this album, that I also said on their first album review, they have this feel in their music that sounds like early Eclipse. That holds true for this album as well. It could also be chalked up to the “Swedish sound” as well. There is a real feel to the sound of melodic rock that comes from this region. Whatever the magic is, it works! This is an incredible album that melodic rock fans will covet and be adding to their music collections.
You can’t go wrong with this album. It’s full of everything listeners hope for in a new album from great vocals, to singable tracks, great tempos, crazy power from the drums, creative arrangements, and tons of great melodies.
Make a point of picking “Operation Phoenix” up on Friday!
Crowne – Operation Phoenix
Label – Frontiers Music SRL
Release Date: January 27, 2023
Genre: Black Metal
Rating: 5/5
“Operation Phoenix” Tracklisting:
Operation Phoenix
Champions
In The Name Of The Fallen
Super Trooper
Ready To Run
Juliette * (Best guitar solo!)
The Last Of Us
Just Believe
Roar
Victorious
Northern Lights
Line-Up:
Alexander Strandell – Lead Vocals
Love Magnusson – Guitar
Jona Tee – Guitar/Keyboards/Backing Vocals
John Levén – Bass
Christian “Kicken” Lundqvist – Drums
