Back in the studio for Crossfaith.
Curtailed in their activities by the 2020 world event, the Japanese band led by Kenta Koie (vocals), Terufumi Tamano (keyboards/vocals), Tatsuya Amano (drums) and Kazuki Takemura (guitar) say goodbye to Hiroki Ikegawa (bass) and make Daiki Koide (guitar, ex-Her Name in Blood) an official member before unveiling ARK, their fifth album.
The band’s Electro influences immediately appear when The Final Call begins, effortlessly recreating the energy of their shows before ZERO brings the full band back, whether with devastating riffs or their catchy choruses. The monstrous break only confirms the return of the Japanese, before My Own Salvation explores darker sounds, like that introductory diphonic chant, followed of course by the steady explosion of rhythm as the vocalists go wild. The band collaborate with Milkie Way and Sam Matlock, vocalists from English band WARGASM, to accentuate this modern, festive touch on God Speed, while continuing with their efficient bouncy approach before the unifying Warriors, where MAH, vocalist from their compatriots SiM, joins them to bring her danceable touch and Reggae influences to the central break. The musicians follow up with HEADSHOT! where even the samples are aggressive, leading us to the breathtaking final moshpart before the savagery continues on DV;MM¥ SY5T3M…, a track with an intriguing name but which allows a real surge thanks to an imposing sound. Despite a brief lull, the intensity doesn’t let up until Bobby Wolfgang lends a hand for L.A.M.N., an Industrial-influenced anthem that’s sure to get the crowd moving. Night Waves offers us our first real moment of respite thanks to vaporous keyboards and soothing clean vocals, followed by Afterglow which continues down the path of tranquility with an original Post-Punk approach, quickly broken by Canopus and its Punk roots which offer the album’s final touch of aggression, making us shake our heads to the sound of their riffs.
With ARK, Crossfaith have risen again without caring about the roadblocks, offering us a highly aggressive album that makes it a point of honor to hope for the best live. You’re right to believe they can set any stage on fire!
90/100