It’s been one year since Styx released their 17th album, Crash of the Crown, as the band is celebrating 50 years of Rock and Roll. Lead vocalist, Tommy Shaw says of the latest album, “We did something extraordinary in creating Crash of the Crown. It came to us so naturally, absolutely no obstacles were going to get in the way of how we approached creating this album—and everything came out exactly the way we wanted to hear it.”
Their last album was released 3 years prior, after a 14-year break in between albums. The pandemic halted any touring plans, so it gave the band the opportunity to focus on the album. “One year ago [June, 2021], Crash of the Crown stopped being our own private gem that we created and was released to the world,” Tommy states. “Most of the music was created before we knew what was coming. Once we knew we would not be touring or traveling due to the pandemic, we figured out how to get the recording done with new technology that sprang out of the need to keep creating.” (styxworld.com, 2022)
The whole album has a sense of nostalgia for me as I listen to it. They’ve carried on their classic style from the 70’s to today. While I’m listening to this digitally, I wish I was listening to it on vinyl, it’s one of those albums that demands that classic medium and for the listener to just listen through the album.
“Hold Back The Darkness” is probably my favorite track from the album with how soothing it is. It begins with a soft piano and rain sounds. This is the track that, for me, demands a quiet night in with vinyl of this album. It’s then joined by an acoustic guitar and soft lyrics that delve into the intricacies of depression and overcoming. As the song goes on and the other instrumentals join in, it gives the song a new energy that pairs perfectly with the hook, “you hold back the darkness and we’ll all see the sun rise again.”
The album is out on all digital platforms, and available on disc and vinyl on their website, stycworld.com. They’re currently on tour now, premiering this album, now through October. Follow their website for upcoming tour dates.
Tracklist:
1. The Fight of Our Lives
2. A Monster
3. Reveries
4. Hold Back The Darkness
5. Save Us From Ourselves
6. Crash of the Crown
7. Our Wonderful Lives
8. Common Ground
9. Sound the Alarm
10. Long Live the King
11. Lost at Sea
12. Coming Out the Other Side
13. To Those
14. Another Farewell
15. Stream
