On the way to work I get this package from Inferno Records, a label from France, which is dedicated to heavy metal. Now metal in the past was pulsating and had those great power chords but lately it seems there hasn’t been too much of that around. I had doubts in my mind; I mean what could a band called CRUSHING BLOW bring to the table in 2010? First off they are from France. Can you name me five heavy metal bands from France? I didn’t think you could…

I was real skeptical but popped the CD in anyway. Well CRUSHING BLOW can change that whole perception. I first checked them out on MySpace and the tunes and quality on MySpace is lame but at home you can really crank that up and you get the full effect. The band started back in 1997 with multiple changes in personal. They released their first 6 track demo back in 2000, then a promo with two tracks in 2002 and their debut “Far Away” in 2003. Through the years there have been three other vocalists before settling on Ms. Valène De Santis who is formerly of (BLOWBACK / BERSERKERS).

The new release “Cease Fire” opens with an intro instrumental that shows great musicianship. The song runs right into the first full track “The Wizard’s Tale”, which kicks in with double bass drums ala HELLOWEEN and has some killer guitar riffs. CRUSHING BLOW’s Valène can be compared to Doro but also brings in the essences of Goth to the band. Don’t get me wrong this is a pure metal act and you will hear those classic metal riffs but this band is exceptional. The guitars by Guillaume and Benjamin are true metal and bring back those energetic sounds of the past reminiscent of ACCEPT and vintage Doro, if you like real metal with slicing guitar licks and power you’re going to love “Cease Fire”.

“Redemption” will blow your mind. JUDAS PRIEST, the metal Gods themselves would be proud of a tune like this. True in your face kick ass metal with horns up. This track drives the sane to insanity and I’m feelin’ Doro definitely had a lot of influence on CRUSHING BLOW.

“Shadow” tones thing down with a memorizing ballad that has reminiscent guitar sounds of METALLICA; loved the lyrics too. Think JUDAS PRIEST when pumping up “Dreams”… but a female version. Screaming guitar with strong vocals set this one on fire!

The title track “Cease Fire” shows the power in female vocals and with the additional keys that give a full sound. This is one heluva band. You can feel the sensitivity of Valène but when needed she drives the nail down. Such a seductive little minx showing she can play with the big boys and kick their ass while she’s at it! Guillaume and Benjamin rip it up on this one too…

Hey DOKKEN fans check out “Memories”. A classic!!!

Truly a great track in “My Venom”. Valène you will have the men at your feet in no time at all; a power ballad that will sink its teeth into your heart. Damn is that some good shit!

And it all ends with “The Prophecies”. My prophecy is I feel a higher power and uplifting band has risen and it will go by the name of CRUSHING BLOW!