About Bastard Cröss Crossripper
In an era where the Black/Thrash scene is saturated with clones and interchangeable productions, it's rare for an album to stand out with such a distinct personality. Yet, the debut album from Philadelphia band Bastard Cröss, titled Crossripper, is one of those gems that commands attention. While it's a ferocious fusion of black metal and thrash, this record holds some surprising secrets. Here are four key points that prove Crossripper is much more than meets the eye.
1. More Than Just a Black/Thrash Album: A Surprising Touch of Glam
While the core of the album is a "ferocious combination of Black Metal and Thrash," it incorporates a surprisingly wide range of influences. It incorporates elements of early death metal and punk, but the most unexpected influence is found on the track "Demons At Midnight." This song is an "impressive fusion of thrash and 80s glam/US power metal." Far removed from the more commercial bands of the genre, this influence evokes more aggressive groups like Lizzy Borden and Malice. This audacity is all the more successful because, as critics point out, the track retains the raw energy of the album and fits in perfectly, proving the band's versatility without sacrificing its ferocity.
2. Total theatricality: from stage names to horror themes
The band's commitment to its aesthetic extends far beyond the music. The members sport theatrical pseudonyms that perfectly set the scene:
- Heathen Chevalier (aka Chevy McQuaide) - Guitar/Vocals
- Blasphemous Axe (aka AJ Defeo) - Guitar/Vocals
- Infernal Bastard (aka Joseph Tartaglia) - Drums
- Beheader Of Priests (aka Federico Feu) - Bass
The album's lyrical themes are equally immersive, with tales of "demons, mummies, and a headless horseman." The release date of October 31st is perfect, especially since the closing track includes a sample from the film Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers.
3. A Masterful Homage to the Masters of Metal
Crossripper is built on a "clear and obvious respect for the old school." The tributes are scattered throughout the album and will delight connoisseurs:
- The drum intro on "Parasitic" is a clear nod to Motörhead's "Overkill."
- The title track, "Crossripper," exudes a serious, Celtic Frost-esque vibe and unleashes blast beats worthy of Sodom.
- Blasphemous Axe's high-pitched screams channel the energy of Schmier from the German thrash metal band Destruction, a style that contrasts sharply with the band's other vocalist.
- "Phantom Pestilence" incorporates Destruction's signature vocal tics reminiscent of their classic "Bestial Invasion."
These influences are skillfully integrated into the band's own sound, creating a work that is both nostalgic and refreshing.
4. The Secret Weapon: A Devastating Dual Vocal Attack
One of the defining characteristics of the band's sound is the dual vocal attack of guitarists Heathen Chevalier and Blasphemous Axe. The contrast between their styles is striking: Heathen Chevalier possesses a "deep and formidable roar," while Blasphemous Axe delivers "high-pitched screams." This vocal interplay, particularly audible on "Lycan Knights," lends the music a greater sense of "menacing menace and malevolent intent." This perfectly aligns with the band's stated objective: "to create intense and aggressive metalpunk, enhanced by double vocal attacks, powerful guitar harmonies, and gritty bass tones."
In the end
Crossripper is much more than just a debut album; it's a "vicious and uncompromising" record, simultaneously ferocious, melodic, and incredibly entertaining. Ultimately, Bastard Cröss's true achievement lies in this masterful balance between raw aggression and a profound respect for metal's rich and diverse history, marking the debut of a band to watch very closely.
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