Crystal Tears

Thessaloniki’s Power Metal veterans CRYSTAL TEARS began their journey back in September 1997, composing material and putting on concerts in their hometown from the very start. Except for Christafis Tantanozis – drummer, mainman and sole constant over the years – the earliest lineup of the band remains unknown at this point. But by 1998 the ranks had solidified into CRYSTAL TEARS “mk1”, featuring Michael Glanias (vocals, keyboards), George Zaimis (guitars), Kimon Pantelidakis (guitars – DIMORFIA), Stelios Papadopoulos (bass) and of course Christafis Tantanozis (drums – FUTURELESS, METALLY INSANE). With this configuration, the band entered Underground Studio (Thessaloniki) more or less a year after its formation to record their first demo CDr “Skies of Eternity” (1999).

This early incarnation of CRYSTAL TEARS can best be described as a contemporary Euro Power Metal band, with influences from the usual suspects: GAMMA RAY, HELLOWEEN, RUNNING WILD and IRON MAIDEN. Two things made C.T. stand out within the overcrowded Power Metal scene though. They took a more a muscular approach and complemented it with a brooding melancholy which thankfully replaced the insipid, happy-to-lucky attitude that we have come to identify as one of the main “plagues” of post-“Keeper of the Seven Keys” Power Metal.

Following the positive response for their debut proposal, CRYSTAL TEARS went on to promote themselves through numerous concerts, contacts with the underground Heavy/Power scene and finally with a new promotional CDr release entitled “Promoworks” (2000). This 2-tracker followed in a similar style as “Skies…” and also presented what arguably remains as the band’s longest track to date (“My Storm Will Prevail”). Around this time (might’ve been before the completion of the promo), lead guitarist George Zaimis decided to leave the band and a replacement was found in Dimitris Goutziamanis (guitars – ASTRAL CROSSING) – the first of many, many lineup changes to follow...

Things seemed to be going rather well for at this point, with CRYSTAL TEARS selling a decent number of CDs as well as extending their concert trails outside of their hometown. Still, by the spring of 2001 vocalist Michael Glanias was leaving, so the band had to go own for some time as a quartet with drummer Christafis T. temporarily taking over the vocal duties during gigs. A replacement for the vocalist position was eventually found a couple of months later in former LAUREL PATH frontman George Klokelis (vocals – LAUREL PATH, METALLY INSANE, WEREWOLVES).

In 2002 CRYSTAL TEARS had finished the recording of their first full-length album, bearing the title “Embrace the Horror” (2002). With a new vocalist on board and with more musical experience, “Embrace…” sounded slightly different, and more “professional” than its predecessors; drawing additional influences from more aggressive acts of both German and US pedigree (RAGE, SANCTUARY, etc.) as well as classic Heavy Metal à la JUDAS PRIEST. Since finding a label had proven quite difficult, the album was originally released by the band themselves – a common experience for Greek heavy metal bands at the time. After some initial success though, a local label called Foxy B Music International (sounds shady, doesn’t it?) approached the band for proper distribution of the album. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out as expected, so the band decided to rerelease “Embrace…” again themselves with remastered sound. Several more live appearances followed in the wake of the album, including an honorable support spot for JAG PANZER on home grounds.

The years 2003-2006 would prove decisive for the band, including additional changing of members, side projects and of course more live shows. By late 2004, work had begun on a follow-up album, presenting the band’s new, charismatic vocalist Natasa Pandreia (vocals – DIMORFIA) as well as bassist Stratos Dionisopoulos (bass – SKLEROTIKZ). Following the addition of Natasa’s raspy, Leather Leone-styled voice along with the band being reduced to one instead of two guitar players (Kimon T. had left the band earlier on), “Choirs of Immortal” (2006) can be regarded as a re-birth of CRYSTAL TEARS in the form of pure, JUDAS PRIEST-styled 1980s Heavy/Speed Metal. Crowned by cool artwork courtesy of legendary record artist Joe Petagno (MOTÖRHEAD, PARADOX, PRETTY MAIDS and many more), “Choirs…” surely counts a milestone in the CRYSTAL TEARS discography.

After this landmark release, CRYSTAL TEARS took a lengthy break from their release schedule. Once they reappeared with their third album “Generation X” (2010), several additional adjustments had taken place – both within the member ranks and as far as style goes. With Natasa out of the band (unfortunately!), the band had somehow managed to get hold of ELEGY’s Ian Parry for the vocalist spot, although he would only last for one album. Stylistically, the band had abandoned much of their classic Heavy Metal costume in favor of modernized (and slightly aggressive…) Power Metal with short and concise compositions. Although several more member shifts have occurred since (including the addition of former ARTILLERY vocalist Søren Adamsen), both “Hellmade” (2014) and Decadence Deluxe (2018) – the band’s latest work – pretty much retained the same musical formula, with well-oiled and relatively catchy songs clocking in at around 3 minutes at average.

Except for the forced-on hiatus caused by the current Covid situation, CRYSTAL TEARS allegedly remains musically active by the time of writing (again with a new vocalist: Antony Hämäläinen) and has evolved into one of Thessaloniki’s most popular Metal bands. For those who wish to check out CRYSTAL TEARS, our recommendation would be to begin with their very first release “Skies of Eternity” and/or the Heavy/Power powerhouse “Choirs of Immortal”.

Compilation appearances:
* Hellenic Forces Compilation Vol. 1 [CDr, Comp: Self-released (Hellenic Forces Fanzine), 2004]
* Greek Defenders of the Faith: A Tribute to Judas Priest [CD, Comp: Metal Hammer & Heavy Metal, 2016]