Cruxiter
Self-titled promo CD

May 2012
Released: 2012, Heaven and Hell records
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Metal-Rules.com UK Team

Cruxiter are a metal quartet from Texas formed in 2011. The band have spent time recording and playing with notable bands such as Hammerwhore and Foretold Defiance. During the period that followed they have had various line-up changes and released their first recording back in 2011 which caught acclaim from radio stations which would then lead to a record deal with Heaven and Hell Records.



So after pulling the CD from the cover of their self-titled promo release, a two track taster of what’s to come, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found. Opening with, ‘Paradise Found’ the solid guitar riffs and drumming propel the song forward in the intro as the vocals glide along, revealing strong influences of Iron Maiden and Saxon. The second verse showcases some energetic guitar solos that prove these guys know how to create a worthy opener. The high pitched vocals upon the songs climax definitely raised the bar in terms of my expectations, Cruxiter are one of the bands who know how to both sing and play to a high level of professionalism.



Next up the promo CD’s closing track ‘The Church/ May Eve’ unravels with a slower and more sombre vibe as the bass guitar gets some room to shine with its murky grooves before the guitar riffs and drums drive things into fifth gear. Vocally, the song delivers an impressive range that is met well with the guitar solos vibrancy. The acoustic breakdown wades into a neo-classical outro that extracts the bands ability to experiment within their strong song writing abilities, an interesting departure end that I didn’t see coming.



In short, these guys certainly have a lot of creativity and energy in their sound. If this two track offering is by any measure reflective of what is to follow on a full length album then I recommend metallers from all genres/sub-genres turn their heads to this band now while their still in their early stages, as I’m sure the best is yet to come for them.



Review By Ben Spencer