Genre: N.W.O.B.H.M. Country: England Label: Sonic Age/Cult Metal Classics Year: 2015 The great thing about N.W.O.B.H.M. is that you can find a great band from every possible place, even from Macclesfield. Yes, you have never heard of this place never before, as North West England’s market town is rather boring especially in Heavy Metal terms. As you have (probably) never heard of Crisis too, since the band had never released something officially in the 80’s; they just recorded three tapes containing classic N.W.O.B.H.M. with many epic elements. Still, due to its quality this is a rather weird thing not to sign a contract with any label back in the days. But it’s never too late, right? Band’s first ever recording back in December 1984 – January 1985, was taken at Moonraker Studios in Manchester, featuring “Suicide”, “Eyes In The Night” and “Silent Roar”. A year and a half later, in June 1986, the second recording, at Cavalier Studio in Stockport, featured “Battlefield”, “Chaser” and “Hungry Oceans”. In October 1986 the band was invited to record in Session for Radio One’s Friday Rock show, hosted by legendary Tommy Vance. Produced by Tony Wilson and recorded at the BBC Maida Vale studio, captured “Battlefield”, “Suicide”, “Casablanca” and “Spirits Of The Night”, and the session aired in November 1986 (and again in January 1987). Later in (February) 1987 they recorded at Strawberry Studios, Stockport for the Chris Tetley Rock Show on Manchester Piccadilly Radio. The session featured the tracks: “Suicide”, “Spirits Of the Night”, “The Silent Roar” and “Warriors Of Arthur”. Finally tracks 13-15 were recorded at GPO Club Blackpool June 1986. This release contains 15 tracks, all taken from the above recordings. A very good combination that points not only to collectors or whoever wants to update his record collection, but I believe it targets to die hards of the sub-genre as only these can appreciate Crisis’s music greatness, unfortunately. Musically Crisis is close to Elixir, Burner & Ritual and even Hammer but no similarity to vocals with the last one to be really honest. Speaking of vocals, Russ Meehan’s characteristic tone establishes the band’s sound that isn’t guitar driven, but still has some fine riffs and solos here and there and it’s totally full of energy and tense. Stand out moments/forgotten gems: “Battlefield”, “Spirits Of The Night”, “Suicide” (personal fav) and “No One Screams”. Great cover artwork that fits perfectly with the epic touch of the songs. Review by Metal Invader.net