Marta Gabriel – Metal Queens (Album Review)

Polish giants Crystal Viper have been on the music scene for what seems forever. They have produced along with this year’s latest album 8 studio albums. And Marta Gabriel has been the guitarist and singer-songwriter for Viper from the start. So when she announced a solo album was on the cards a lot like me who loves her work got very excited. And if you had not guessed it she has produced a covers album of her METAL QUEENS. As she has stated, this is not just a covers album but also a seamless transition of influence. You can sink your teeth into a classic from Wendy O Williams and Warlock to more obscure but still as amazing Zed Yago and Rock Goddess. I won’t list all of them I want you dear reader to do as I did and go in blind as it where. Learn something and open your mind a little more.

I for one did not know about a 3rd of the acts that this amazing musician had chosen to put on this album. And so from this, I went down a rabbit hole that took me to some amazing new music and new adventures in the metal world.

Some people might read this and think no thank you! I don’t do cover albums.

I say STOP RIGHT THERE; this is more of a tribute to the woman that made this amazing musician who she is. So instead of a tired old formula of covers just to get a contract seen through, this is a heartfelt and emotional thank you to the bands the singers the musicians that sculpted one person’s personal sonic landscape.

And along with such emotion comes the added benefit of well-crafted music, it would not be out of place if a few of us thought these were all originals. It has not got that taint that some covers/ tributes have where they try so hard to get it note-perfect and phrase for a phrase that it bleaches out all the heart and soul of the original. It cracks along at a pace so much so that I felt like it had only begun before it was over.  This is not only a great album that is beautifully recorded and mixed but it’s also a great stepping-stone to the amazing world of female-fronted metal. I think the biggest thrill that Marta Gabriel could get from this would be that the world of great metal made by great powerful and talented females, Is now more accessible and in the thoughts and minds of a younger (and some older like me) audience.

So for the future of a genuinely balanced and equal metal scene records like this are very much needed. VIVA LA ROCK N ROLL

Marta Gabriel: Facebook

Release Year: 2021
Label: Listenable Records
Category: Album
Country: Poland

Reviewed by Tony Evans