Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Wicked Sensation
Title
Crystallized
Type
LP/EP
Company
Metal Heaven
YOR
2010
Style
Hard Rock
7/1/2011 - Review by: Eric Compton

Wicked Sensation
Crystallized

Company: Metal Heaven
Release: 2010
Genre: Hard rock
Reviewer: EC

  • A great example of classy hard rock



  • So many interesting facets with this new slab from Wicked Sensation. This is a "comeback" album from the group after a four year break and finds the band reunited with original singer Robert Soeterboek. The talented frontman performed on debut rocker "Reflected" only to be replaced one album later by hired gun/journeyman Fernando Garcia (Godiva, Victory). A long hiatus sees the band return in tip-top form with their third album to date called "Crystallized". If you are a fan of Helloween or Pink Cream 69 then read further...

    The really cool thing at work here is the pairing of Andi Deris and Denis Ward. Confused? Well this is actually the first time we have seen Deris teamed with former bandmate Ward in quite some time. If you will recall, Deris left Ward's Pink Cream 69 in the early 90s (a band immensely popular on Sony) on bad terms. Many will know that Deris went on to front German heavyweight Helloween. Since the showman and PC69 have become friends again this marks the first collaboration of the two in 18 years. Maybe I am just reading too much into it considering Ward played session bass for this record and Deris laid down guest vocals on "My Turn To Fly". Nevertheless it is still great to see that chemistry once again albeit in short fashion.

    "Crystallized" is probably the best WS album to date. The return of Soeterboek is a good shot in the arm with his vocals a dead ringer for David Coverdale. The album shines with driving hard rock ("Lonely Is The Night", "Fistful Of Dreams"), blues ("Gimme The Night") and efficient power ballads ("Am I Right", "Lost In A World"). These Germans can easily compare to Shakra, Crystal Ball and Million but are rather timeless and cross stitch Europe with a stylish presentation. I hear the polish of Switzerland, the driving melodic rock in native Germany and the finesse of the Swedes.

    The Bottom Line - A great example of classy hard rock in an environment of cut and paste sleaze rock. This is extremely well done and enrolls the listener in quality tunes that relish the spirit of the 80s with "feel good" accessibility.



    • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
      4 :AVE RATING

    ALL REVIEWS FOR: WICKED SENSATION
    TITLE
    DOR
    COMPANY
    REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
    Crystallized
    2010
    Metal Heaven
    Eric Compton7/1/2011
    4

    ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: WICKED SENSATION
    INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE
    Michael KleinEric Compton2/26/2004


    << back >>