Metalcatto
When a band sends me an album in either physical or FLAC format, they can be sure I’ll eventually get to their request. Even if it’s late, it’s good to judge a work the way it’s supposed to be heard — not through some cheap MP3-only stream files (big labels still do this…). So, Bastard Cröss sent the actual digital copy of their work, which is why this Black/Thrash album, Crossripper, is getting the royal treatment today. That doesn’t mean a merciful review, just saying. Let’s start.
Crossripper is pure speed and aggression — it’ll remind you of classics like Deströyer 666 or Hellbutcher, where the shred takes a step back to let filth and malice take over your ears. The tracks are fast and to the point, but there’s a lot of flashy guitar work that doesn’t dive into nerdy territory — it lands more in the drunkard-with-feelings zone. And that’s exactly what everything else on this album goes for, except maybe for the lyrics, which mostly stay within the Black and Death Metal realms. You know, the horror, the gore, the occult — all those things you crave in your boring everyday life.
The production doesn’t suck! What words are those, you ask? Well, let’s face it — a lot of Metal within this style tends to underestimate the effect good production can have, just as they tend to undervalue consistent songwriting. That’s not the case here. Crossripper is a solid, consistent effort that sticks to its strengths — which, for many of you, will be great news. But for others, it might make you wonder if the band is capable of mixing things up a bit.
I’m not sure what the answer is, because Bastard Cröss does exactly what’s expected of them. In that sense, the album doesn’t disappoint at all — but I would’ve liked a few more surprises here and there, something to help the band distance itself from acts like Spectral Wound. There’s nothing wrong with sounding like that band, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of comfort when you can so easily offer people an adrenaline rush.
If you’re fine with things going according to plan, then Crossripper is going to be an exciting ride that cuts to the chase in no time. It’s the right time of the year to bash your brains out with this kind of dirty Metal, so give it a try before Christmas Carol season starts and my nausea becomes unstoppable. Having said that — who doesn’t like presents? Right, people with trauma. Well, Bastard Cröss might help with that a bit.
Label: Morbid and Miserable Records
Release date: October 31, 2025
Website: https://morbidandmiserable.bandcamp.com/album/crossripper
Country: USA
Score: 3.5/5.0
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