Kreyson were formed in the Czech Republic towards the end of 1989, by Ladislav Krizek and Jaroslav Barton, both previously active in the band Citron. The line-up was completed by Robert Vondrovic and Daniel Krob (both from Arakain) and Karel Adam (from Moped). The debut album 'Angel on the Run' was noticed due to the participation by one Rock'n'Rolf (Running Wild). Both that album, and it's successor ('Crusaders'), were released in both Czech and English versions. The band performed quality heavy/speed metal.  The Czech release gained much success in the country and Kreyson soon become one of the most popular bands on the commercial music scene there. That led to 2 more releases in Czech language only, and one best-of album, before the band fell apart in 1997. Ladislav Krizek has also released several solo-albums, as well as various pop-project in his native country.

ANGEL ON THE RUN (1990, 1993) VICTOR (Japanese edition)

This album was quite hard to get a hold of. Kreyson were not the most known band around, and heavy metal with Christian lyrics from the Czech Republic isn't exactly what most metalheads buy, so their albums have become quite rare. And that is really a shame. Because Kreyson were a really cool band. They sound like a cross between such different acts as Running Wild ("Kreyson", might be due to the fact that Rock'n'Rolf co-produced the album), Whitecross (opening on "No Blue Skies"), Scorpions, Mass, Helloween and Stryper. They have this talent for combining speed with great melodies. Even thought they are from Eastern Europe, the singer has no noticeable accent. This debut album doesn't quite maintain the same high quality throughout the entire disc. But with awesome tracks, such as the semi-ballad "Deep In The Night", the CD is still worth it's weight in gold. All I can do is recommend it, as it is truly one of metals forgotten gems. I love it!

I obtained the Japanese edition, which also is remastered. The artwork is different, and the booklet is superior to the original, with lyrics in English and Japanese.

Killer tracks: Kreyson, Deep In The Night, No Blue Skies, Fade Out

CRUSADERS (1993) FLAMETRADER

'Crusaders' is the logical follow-up to 'Angel On The Run'. The band have not changed in any drastic means, and I like this album almost equally as good. There is one little catch here though; Lans' English seems to have become weaker?! At least I can hear his accent this time around. That was not the case on 'Angel On The Run'. But the galloping metal is still great. And Kreyson is one of the most interesting bands in the genre. Just check out the phenomenal title-track on here.

Killer tracks: Crusaders, Commandments, Stay A Moment