CRYSTAL VIPER is a female fronted Traditional Heavy Metal band, and was formed in 2003 in Poland, by Marta Gabriel (vocalist, guitarist) and her husband Bart Gabriel (producer, manager). After several demo recordings, few local live shows and apperance on "A Tribute To CIRITH UNGOL" and "A Tribute To W.A.S.P." compilations, the first official line up signed the deal with the German label Karthago Records. Debut concept album titled "The Curse Of Crystal Viper", and with the intro narrated by Gerrit P. Mutz of SACRED STEEL came out in early 2007, and received fantastic feedback from both press (several titles "album of the month", 8/10 in Rock Hard, 10/12 in Heavy, 10/10 in Metal Maidens, 7/7 in Heavy Metal Pages etc.) and fans around the globe. In 2006 and 2007 the band played several live shows in Germany, Poland and Czech Republic, during which shared the stage with acts such as: DORO, HAMMERFALL, ANVIL, BLITZKRIEG and SACRED STEEL.
During few recording sessions in summer of 2007, CRYSTAL VIPER recorded material for "The Last Axeman" compilation - limited CD and LP, with bunch of new new and exclusive songs, cover songs, and live recordings. The release incl. cover version of the classic VIRGIN STEELE song "Blood And Gasoline" - recorded with 2 original VIRGIN STEELE members: David DeFeis & Josh Block, got quickly sold out. Different version of this special "CRYSTAL VIPER & VIRGIN STEELE" duet version of "Blood And Gasoline", was also placed on the 2008 reissue of the classic VIRGIN STEELE album "The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell".
In 2008 CRYSTAL VIPER played on several summer festivals, then co-headlined the HARD ROCKER FESTIVAL with their idols OMEN and old friends from SACRED STEEL, and recorded the second studio album titled "Metal Nation", which came out in early 2009. New album, like the previous releases was produced by Bart Gabriel, but this time mixed by the Grammy nominated Andy La Rocque (known mostly as the legendary KING DIAMOND guitarist), and recorded with three special guests: Manni Schmidt (GRAVE DIGGER, RAGE), Frank Knight (X-WILD) and Lars Ramcke (STORMWARRIOR). Bunch of ultra positive reviews followed again, and "Metal Nation" got released also in Japan (with a bonus track, of course), and like all the previous CRYSTAL VIPER releases: as a limited edition vinyl album. During the Metal Nation Tour 2009, CRYSTAL VIPER played for for the first time in Greece and Spain, and recorded in Germany the first official live album - on MANOWAR's own Magic Circle Festival. The same year the band released 2 singles: "The Wolf And The Witch", and "Stronghold: Under Siege" - which was added as a special bonus to "Stronghold" - the bestseller fantasy board-game, released by the famous Portal Publishing company.
In early 2010 CRYSTAL VIPER found new home label: the AFM Records. The first official release under the new banner will be mentioned "Defenders Of The Magic Circle - Live In Germany" CD and LP. The next studio album will be recorded in summer, and its release has been scheduled for Autumn 2010.