A blistering new single release from Crusaders thrashes forward with a fierce and rumbling approach that blends classic thrash metal back into the spotlight with outrageous guitar work all over it along with an unstoppable speed and excitable energy that never ceases.
"V" wastes absolutely no time coming right in with a sucker punch to the gut as the guitar tones are edgy and piercing along with this blend of punk undertone at times with crew vocals and high-speed palm muting that beckons bands like Slayer for example
This track was the most fun I've had in ages and everything about it lets you know that this band really loves what they're doing and they're releasing music that's an ode to the genres that influence them.
The drumming is incredible and not only is it super tight, but the fills are awesome, everything is in the pocket, and it's very loose and inventive when it wants to be.
Every element of this song balances out the next and pushes the next as well. The drums push the guitars and in turn, push the base and vocals and there are a lot of crew vocals happening in this track as well especially during the choruses.
This was such an intense track, and I grew up listening to thrash metal and can honestly say that this fits right in and the whole aesthetic is completely nailed from beginning to end.
The guitar solos are shredding and fiery and there are some great little breakdowns and bridges along with an overall pounding and incredibly massive sonic drive that just it's so hard that you can feel it in your bones.
What's cool about this track is that you can chant along with the choruses, you can headbang endlessly to it, and it's incredibly pit Worthy which all my metalheads out there will know exactly what I mean.
This was fluent, heavy, fast-paced, and the whole thing just hit like a blitzkrieg.
When it's over you just want to start it again because the energy of the whole thing is super infectious.
Those rolling kick drums and hammer on, pull off guitar solos, all of it is so classic for me and even nostalgic in a way because I love bands like this and again, grew up listening to this kind of stuff.
It's a genre that doesn't get enough gratitude or appreciation if you ask me especially in terms of musicianship in general.
When you listen to the guitar work for example, you know that these guys could easily just play a jazz record if they wanted to and completely nail it as well.
I'm sure they do play a little jazz at home on the guitar but that's not where their heart is. Their heart is in metal and in terms of the drums, I don't think people understand the kind of energy that's given when it comes to thrash metal or punk drumming.
It's unbelievable.
Not only that but all of this has to be super tight and precise for it to make sense and contain that aesthetic and forward moving flow that it does.
It's got to have a fire behind it and it's got to have precision for it all to come together.
These guys really nailed that feeling that I used to get listening to bands like Slayer for example.
There's something about it that blows you away and if you are a musician of any kind this will blow you away.
The vocals are killer. They go right along with the energy level of the band and seem to, as I said earlier, push things to a new level just like the music does. Each element of the band instrumentally pushes the next, and then the vocals push back so that you have something that just packs a massive punch and keeps that energy at a super high level.
This was a thrashing good time and with its release we had to have a sit down with Crusaders to find out where this track came from and what might be coming up next for the guys.
Here's what went down.
RAG: Where did V come from?
V is a song that is a nod to the British freedom fighter involved in the old Guy Fawkes tales. It is also our statement around society as a whole these days with inept governments attempting to exercise their control on us.
RAG: What kind of influences do you guys have musically?
So, Jamie is a big fan of Evile, Steve is into Mastodon, Neil loves a bit of Pantera and currently I am listening to Havok a hell of a lot. We all share a mutual love of bands like, Metallica, Testament, Machine head and many more.
RAG: What's coming next?
Work has already commenced to bring out a follow up to V, we have a good few tracks written and ready to be properly recorded and produced.
RAG: Are you guys performing live right now?
We’ve played a lot of gigs this year! They have all been great gigs in their own right, but most notable I think was the SOS Fest in Manchester earlier this year. That just had an awesome energy about it. There will be a tour at some point, but we still need to sort the logistics for that!
RAG: Who's in your headphones right now?
As I touched on earlier, we all collectively have a pretty eclectic taste in music. We’ve been known to jam out some weird and wonderful covers at practice. I think I can speak on behalf of all when I say we generally enjoy a good bit of old-fashioned thrash!
RAG: Are there any music videos so far?
Yes! We have a video out in support of V already, which can be seen here. https://youtu.be/jptavT5n12k?si=m6EUzqDKBEfMniX0 There is also plans to release a lyric only version for V also.
RAG: Do you guys write the songs together?
Jamie has been the creator of the majority of riffs so far. Got to say he’s got a bit of talent for it! That being said, he’s not against suggestions to change a riff or if someone suggests an idea.
RAG: What would you say someone can expect when listening to this track?
I’d say, prepare to have the song stuck in your head for days! It is also a no nonsense, no punches pulled, good old fashioned thrashy heavy metal song!
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans?
Thanks for listening, stick with us, there WILL be more coming, and we’ll see you on the road real soon!
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