The Christian-themes Prague-based Kreyson have not issued any new studio recorded material since their 1995 album Zákon Dungle, but since then, up to this date, there has been a live album, and two compilation releases, this being one of those two. 20 Years of Kreyson is the Retroactive Records version of the band's best material released, which is hard to say where exactly the tracks come off of since much of the band's releases have track names in their native tongue, so through various translations, it seems these songs go all the way back to their debut album Angel on the Run from back in 1990. But, is this one any better then the 1996 compilation that actually features more songs from the band? Well that all depends on how you approach this release.
It has been roughly thirteen years since the band's last best of, but in that time span there has been nothing new as far as studio albums go. So why not go with the older, cheaper version? Well, if you're looking for more material for your buck, then yes, by all means go with that version as it does include more material. However, according to the press release, these songs have been remastered, and they sound much nicer compared to their original versions. The clarity is undoubtedly far superior and make this release a must have for the Kreyson fan who would love a new album, but just can't seem to get it, making this a very nice substitute. If you're new or just not the addicted with the band, then this is one you could very well just pass up since you would expect some of these songs to be on that issue as well. The only real difference outside the remastered that would draw a new listener in would be the fact that the tracks are translated to English and make it easier on the eyes while reading the booklet and keeping track of what song is what and the name of the song you're listening to.
As far as the actual music goes, again, the sound quality on this one is great. If you haven't heard Kreyson yet, then this release is definitely worth giving a look. Much of the music on here does seem to tread along the Power Metal field, but there are plenty of songs on here that seem to stem from the traditional Hard Rock and Hair Metal of the late eighties to early nineties that bands like Stryper helped to popularize such as the start and end to "Parable" and all of "Mary", as well as a good chunk of songs like "Judgement Day" and "Parable" that have a much heavier feel to them that shows off the band's Power Metal side moreso, which is honestly the more enjoyable brand of music the band plays. While some of the more Hard Rock tracks and moments on the album sound good and can actually give a slightly haunting feel due to the still somewhat raw recording quality that is carried over from the originals, these tracks don't really showcase anything much outside of what the heavier songs prove the band can do, sometimes coming off cheesy or even overly pushing the whole Christianity aspect of the lyrics, which for those who are in it for the music and not the worship of Christ, it can get really annoying real fast. Aside that and some modulation issues as far as the volume of the vocals being too loud, and a few tracks that really just don't come off like the band's best, such as "Judgement Day", made available here, you'll find some good material, but also your typical brand of compilation issues.
20 Years of Kreyson is a nice little compilation album that really shows the music in a new light. While still retaining a bit of the raw production quality and atmosphere that surrounded some of the earlier tracks, the songs sound much clearer and a little higher in some instances. it's just sad to hear that some of the songs didn't quite fare to well between some songs vocals being too loud, such as on "Endure the Night", as well as some clearly having a much heavier, chunkier sounding guitar output that's far from being a good thing. However, the latter of that statement is expected. If you're into the whole Christian Metal thing, then definitely check this one out, as chances are good you may have never even heard of this band before this review, and there are some good songs on here worth your time and money to experience.
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