Crash of the Crown

by Styx

Overview

Crash of the Crown feels like an explicit sequel to The Mission, the 2017 concept album that found Styx reviving the heavy pomp of their 1970s glory days. Once again, Tommy Shaw works with multi-instrumentalist Will Evankovich as his main collaborator and while there isn't a narrative throughline on Crash of the Crown, the album title nevertheless hints at what lies within. Time and time again, Styx returns to the idea of an America in turmoil, a theme that isn't unfamiliar in the tumultuous early 2020s, but the band's socially charged lyrics are direct in their targets in a way they weren't in the past. Setting that aside, Crash of the Crown feels very much like a throwback, filled with careening keyboard runs, crushing riffs, and melodramatic melodies all tied together with extended instrumental showcases. The vibe may be familiar, but the execution is spirited and imaginative; the past is present but not re-created. Styx pulled this trick off on The Mission, so the fact that they've done it again on Crash of the Crown is all the more impressive: the band provides retro thrills without a dose of nostalgia. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	06/18/2021
Label:	Universal
UPC:	0602435492179
Rank:	52619

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Styx   Primary Artist
James Young   Vocals,Guitar (Electric)
Todd Sucherman   Drums,Percussion
Ricky Phillips   Guitar (Bass)
Tommy Shaw   Banjo,Vocals,Mandolin,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Steve Patrick   Piccolo
Chuck Panozzo   Guitar (Bass)
Will Evankovich   Vocals,Mandolin,Percussion,Synthesizer,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Lawrence Gowan   Organ,Piano,Vocals,Mellotron,Synthesizer
Michael Bahan   Tabla

Technical Credits

Ted Jensen   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
James Young   Group Member
Todd Sucherman   Group Member
JR Taylor   Engineer,Recording
Ricky Phillips   Writer,Composer
Alan Hertz   Mixing,Engineer,Recording
Ricky Philips   Composer
Tommy Shaw   Writer,Composer,Lyricist,Group Member
Michael Ruthig   A&R
Todd Gallopo   Design,Art Direction,Illustrations
Russ Mackay   Engineer,Recording
Ashley Harris   Product Manager
Charlie Brusco   Management
Andrew Labarrere   Legal Advisor
Will Evankovich   Mixing,Writer,Composer,Engineer,Lyricist,Producer,Recording,Soundscape,Group Member
Scott Rottler   Engineer,Recording
Alex Sale   Production Manager
Terence Hanbury White   Liner Notes
Sean R. Badum   Engineer,Recording
Lawrence Gowan   Writer,Composer,Lyricist,Group Member
Mike Mettler   Liner Notes
Devan Skaggs   Engineer,Recording
Rod Essig   Booking