Stephen
Crawler is basically an Italian successor to the throne of Iron Maiden. Not only the style is simply the same, Claudio Cesari even has that Dickinson's distinctive scream. Now, if you like Maiden, there's no way you will deny that Crawler makes a decent music here based on Maiden's template, but on the other hand, what's the point if you can just listen to Maiden anyway, right ?
The opening track, 'Crawler', is a good one but I'm not entirely sold even though it started to catch my attention. The next one, 'Speed', started to pick up the momentum. The solos are bright and brilliant and the whole fast-paced song is tremendous. On 'Danger! (On Elm Street)', you can hear 'Fear of The Dark' vibe on the slow start before they outbreak with lightning-fast tempo. 'Burst' and 'Angels In Paradise' are safe and average, but 'Cagliostoro' is another example of Maiden-colored track that was done perfectly well.
If only Crawler has the courage to try their own ingredients, 'Knight of The Word' could be a better album. Even though the title track and 'Masters of The Night' are absolutely great track, the teacher's influence is too obvious. I found the first half to be more interesting than the second, even though I don't hear any bad tracks at all inside. 'The King Will Come' is perhaps their weakest link, not horrible but too long with 8 minutes without enough variety.
Good album anyway, I expect more original approach in the upcoming album, but at least they’re showing here the talents are there, and time is going to prove whether they can level up or decline.