Crosswind
Opposing Forces

February 2010
Released: 2009, Self Released
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: Aaron Yurkiewicz

For whatever reason, the whole power metal scene has never clicked with me (too many followers, not enough leaders). But occasionally there are bands in the genre that I’ll come across whose passion and originality make me rethink things. Crosswind happens to be one of those bands. A Greek four piece currently shopping their second self released demo, OPPOSING FORCES, Crosswind blends the high speed melody of bands like Helloween with the grittier reality of classic-Maiden or Queensryche. Featuring three original compositions and stellar cover of ‘Ryche’s “Walk in the Shadows”, OPPOSING FORCES shows some tremendous promise.



Musically, the songs are pretty traditional fare – plenty of twin guitar speed metal riffs with lots of harmonies, coupled with some powerful stratospheric vocals. But it’s the attitude and execution of these tunes that will grab you. Performance-wise, the band has definitely worked on honing its chops. Melodic hooks and solos abound and are mean and edgy enough to keep even the most cynical of metal fans happy. Vocalist/guitarist Kyriakos Vasdokas bears an uncanny resemblance to Blaze Bayley (and occasionally Mr. Dickinson as well), but unlike Blaze, Vasdokas has some real vocal talent. He’s got a great lower register that expertly complements the guitar work, but can still hit those high notes without sounding like he’s going to pop a stitch. That’s a real plus in my book.



My only complaint with OPPOSING FORCES is that it’s over just as things are getting good. I totally get that it’s a demo that will hopefully lead to a professional full-length, but I can’t help but think that instead of having three 30-second intro pieces on the disc, that some of that real estate could have been afforded to at least one more full song. But to paraphrase the cliché, Crosswind leaves the fans wanting more. OPPOSING FORCES is a winner and hopefully foreshadows some good things to come from a promising band.