With a name and a 'classic weapons' lineup like this I'd suppose this is a 'classic' Heavy Metal band we're dealing with. What was out of the picture, whatsoever, was the quality of this 4-track private release by Hellenic warriors CROSSWIND. If Beyond is the (new) beginning then we declare many labels should pay attention to the rising power of this more than remarkable act in their future moves.
Formed in 1996, CROSSWIND released the Dark Omens demo CD in 1998 and then went on hiatus. Still, the flame still burning, Kyriakos Vasdokas and Bill Mitsaris reformed the band and here we have their latest creation, Beyond. The cover - crafted by Dimitar Nikolov - connects to the music in a graceful way. Through their four new songs, CROSSWIND delivers a certain doze of dynamic Heavy/Power Metal based mainly on the European standards of the late 80s/90s plus a firm doze of US Metal. The crucial factor that shall grab you by the balls is the professional production, full of volume and consistency, that truly upgrades the band in an hostile level. The musicians themselves are 'bonded' by chemistry, true motive and fluent skills in order to accomplish their mission.
Meaning: powerful and epic vocals, razorsharp guitars, stiff leads (with apt duals), fat bass lines and pounding drums compile a set of songs that fans of 'epic' Heavy Metal shall find interesting the least. Eye Of The Storm bears speed and pounding vibes with an 'Italic' aura (the atmosphere is DOMINE/SKYLARK-ish here), Virtue & Malice carries a relevant vibe (more 'German', maybe?) but with some more 'dim' vocal lines and efficient rhythm breaks (melodies are spread allover) and 300 rolls on even faster and things can get rather battlefield crazy over here, with some narrative singing providing the song with an assured atmosphere (operatic post-80s JAG PANZER on cocaine is a good sketch?).
March Of The Slaves wraps up this splendid private release in an IRON MAIDEN-related harmonic mode with vocals in a reporting mode in the couple and blastbeating 'cry outs' in the refrains (off-tune are the vocals here a little bit...). Guessed right, the lyrics themes of the songs derive from the rich ancient Greek mythology/history (300 alone should certify this, after the typhoon of recognition via the same-titled movie).
When you have a fitting name, some impressive cover artwork and a set of powerful Metal cuts, then it's no dream to chase your visions as a band (record deal, releases, gigs). CROSSWIND really has the potential to climb up in the metallic map, even if this certain sub-genre they're dealin' with seems kinda 'overloaded' the last years. If you like the way Greek bands perform on straightforward or 'epic' Heavy Metal music, then CROSSWIND is surely a fitting piece (more than fitting, on second thought) in your collection.