Swedish heavy metal veterans Crystal Eyes celebrate the release of their ninth studio album, “Thunder God”, with the unveiling of the album’s third single, “Remembrance”. Accompanied by a new video, the track serves as a heartfelt tribute to the artists whose music helped shape generations of heavy metal fans and musicians alike.
Written by Mikael Dahl, with lyrics by Dahl and Andreas Götesson, “Remembrance” pays homage to legendary figures including Ronnie James Dio, Gary Moore and Ozzy Osbourne. The song weaves references to these celebrated artists throughout its music and lyrics, honouring their enduring influence while reflecting Crystal Eyes’ own musical identity. Following the news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, Dahl completed the track’s acoustic middle section as a personal dedication, adding an emotional dimension to a song already rooted in gratitude and remembrance.
Founded in 1992 by vocalist and guitarist Mikael Dahl, Crystal Eyes have spent more than three decades building a reputation for melody-driven heavy metal fuelled by strong songwriting and memorable hooks. Rather than reinventing their approach, “Thunder God” continues the band’s commitment to powerful riffs, soaring vocals and carefully crafted arrangements across nine new tracks.
The album follows the acclaimed “Starbourne Traveler”, a release widely praised by fans and critics alike. Determined to build on that momentum, the band approached the songwriting process with a focus on creating songs that could stand on their own while contributing to a cohesive album experience. Every track was refined through close collaboration between the band members, ensuring a consistent and focused result from start to finish.
Production duties once again saw Crystal Eyes work alongside Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman, continuing a partnership that spans more than two decades. Vintage amplifiers, cabinets and effects were used throughout the recording process to achieve a classic heavy metal sound, while Nordström’s mix and mastering bring both weight and clarity to the finished record. The album artwork was created by renowned Hungarian artist Gyula Havancsák.
With “Thunder God”, Crystal Eyes deliver another chapter in a catalogue defined by memorable songwriting, powerful performances and a dedication to the traditions of heavy metal. Led by the stirring tribute of “Remembrance”, the album stands as both a celebration of the genre’s past and a statement of the band’s continuing creative strength. To learn more about the album and the band’s journey, be sure to read our latest interview with Crystal Eyes.
Line-up
Mikael Dahl – vocals, guitars
Jonatan Hallberg – guitars
Claes Wikander – bass
Henrik Birgersson – drums
