Crystal Viper
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 in Katowice, Poland |
| Founder | Marta Gabriel |
| Headquarters | Katowice , Poland |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums, singles, live recordings |
Crystal Viper was a heavy metal group originating from Poland, established in 2003 by vocalist and guitarist Marta Gabriel.
History
The band Crystal Viper came into existence in Katowice, Poland, through the efforts of singer and guitarist Marta Gabriel (initially known as "Leather Wych") along with her husband Bart Gabriel, who took on the roles of manager and producer. Their initial recording was a rendition of W.A.S.P.'s "Wild Child" for a tribute compilation, followed by a cover of Cirith Ungol's "Chaos Rising" in 2005, which featured members from the British band Elixir. The first consistent lineup formed in 2007 consisted of Leather Wych on vocals, Lukasz "Andy Wave" Halczuch on guitar, Tomek "Golem" Danczak handling drums, and Tommy Targosz playing bass. They participated in multiple tribute albums and appeared at festivals such as Masters Of Rock. Later, they secured a contract with the German label Karthago Records.
Their debut concept album, The Curse Of Crystal Viper, was launched in early 2007, succeeded by the compilation The Last Axeman in 2008. The 2009 release Metal Nation marked the introduction of bassist Tomasz Woryna and included co-production by Andy LaRocque, guitarist for King Diamond. From 2006 through 2009, the band recorded as a quartet and performed live as a quintet until Gabriel assumed rhythm guitar responsibilities, streamlining the group to four members.
In 2009, Crystal Viper inked a deal with AFM Records and issued Legends in 2010, an album inspired lyrically by Polish folklore. The subsequent concept album Crimen Excepta (2012) explored themes surrounding witches and the Holy Inquisition; due to Woryna’s limited availability, Gabriel undertook most bass recordings while Michal Badocha joined as touring bassist.
Following extensive touring across Europe in 2013, they produced their fifth studio album Possession, which featured guest performances by Harry Conklin (Jag Panzer) and Sataniac (Desaster), along with choral contributions from fans. After Marta Gabriel faced health challenges causing a hiatus, the band returned in 2017 with Queen of the Witches, produced by Bart Gabriel. This record introduced new bassist Blaze J. Grygiel and included guest appearances from Ross the Boss (Manowar), Mantas (Venom), and Steve Bettney (Saracen). Promotion involved two music videos and a European tour spanning numerous countries.
In June 2018, rhythm guitarist Eric Juris joined the ensemble. Drummer Ced exited in November 2021 due to personal matters and was succeeded by Kuba Galwas in June 2022.
On 13 March 2024, Crystal Viper revealed their ninth studio album titled The Silver Key, which was released on 28 June. Continuing their Lovecraftian lyrical themes from the previous album The Cult, it was supported by The Silver Key Tour 2024 alongside Savage Master. In March 2025, an injury to Andy’s hand led to some canceled concerts; Marta transitioned to rhythm guitar while Blaze resumed bass duties for performances with Riot V. Additionally, the band captured live shows throughout Europe for their live album The Live Quest, released on 27 June 2025; its lead single was a live rendition of "The Cult" recorded at Keep It True Festival 2024.
On 28 August 2025, Crystal Viper officially announced their disbandment.
Current lineup
- Marta Gabriel – lead vocals, bass guitar, electric guitar
- Andy Wave – electric guitar
- Kuba Galwas – drums
- Giuseppe "Tiyris" Taormina – electric guitar
Previous members
- Tomasz "Golem" Dańczak – drums
- Vicky Vick – rhythm guitar
- Tomasz Targosz – bass guitar
- Tomasz Woryna – bass guitar
- Michal Badocha – bass guitar
- Błażej "Blaze" Grygiel – bass guitar
- Eric Juris – electric guitar
- Cederick "Ced" Forsberg – drums
Studio albums
- The Curse of Crystal Viper (2007)
- Metal Nation (2009)
- Legends (2010)
- Crimen Excepta (2012)
- Possession (2013)
- Queen of the Witches (2017)
- Tales of Fire and Ice (2019)
- The Cult (2021)
- The Silver Key (2024)
Extended plays
- At the Edge of Time (2018)
- The Last Axeman (2022)
Compilation albums
- The Last Axeman (2008)
- Sleeping Swords (2009)
Live recordings
- Defenders of the Magic Circle: Live in Germany (2010)
- The Live Quest (2025)
Singles
- "The Wolf and the Witch" (2009)
- "Stronghold" (2009)
- "Witch's Mark" (2012)
- "Fight Evil with Evil" (2013)
- "The Witch Is Back" (2016)
- "Still Alive" (2019)
- "Bright Lights" (2019)
- "The Cult" (2020)
Demo recordings
- Rehearsal Tape (2003)
- Live Demo (2004)
- Strike One (2005)
- The Soundhouse Tape (2005)