STYX - CRASH OF THE CROWN (Alpha Dog 2T/UMe)

by Matman

For me, Styx is one of those bands that when they struck that balance between rockers and slower songs, interwoven with three very distinct voices... no one could touch them. The benchmark for me was 1981’s PARADISE THEATRE that was, and still is, one of my favorite albums of all time. I admit that their last release, THE MISSION didn’t quite resonate with me like I had hoped and I thought, “was this the end?” Well, Styx answered that question for me with their latest release, CRASH OF THE CROWN by saying "YES, we are not just a nostalgia act, we are as relevant now as ever!"

The songs presented (15 in all) are all brilliant and oozing with what I love(d) about the band with the Tommy Shaw led Save Us From Ourselves and Our Wonderful Lives and the slower Reveries (sung by Lawrence Gowan) really catching my ear. As good as the songs are, the strength here is with the complete listen, not just the individual songs! This is the way the great albums of the day were put together. I noticed so many different sounds and feels coming from each track, from classic Styx to Pink Floyd to Queen and even a Beatles moment or too... this is a perfect listening experience.

The best thing I can say about CRASH OF THE CROWN is that it is 'classic Styx' without sounding outdated or a rehashing of (fill in your favorite Styx album). If the members of Styx just said “let’s make an album of great songs and really enjoy everything about it”, this is exactly what they did. Give it a listen... I’m sure you will feel the magic, too.

MATMAN RANKING - 5 out of 5 Crashed Crowns! 

Listen for Matman's Full Review in the next episode of the Power Chords Podcast! 

James "JY" Young (lead vocals, guitars)
Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars)
Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals)
Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion)
Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards)
Ricky Phillips (bass, guitar, vocals)

CRASH OF THE CROWN was released on June 18 and is available on clear and black vinyl, CD, and on digital platforms. You can order the album here and at Styxworld.com.

Catch Styx on tour at a venue near YOU!!!!