Crucifier - Cursed Cross
Release Date: 2006

Track Listing:
  1. Cursed Cross
  2. Realize Life
  3. Governmental Slavery
  4. Drive Intense
  5. T.V. (Truth's Vileness)
  6. Slaves of Seeded Hatred
  7. Thrash Till The Death
  8. Crucifier
  9. Execute Them All

Many of us older folk remember the hay day of S.F. Bay area thrash metal and while in the states, most of those memories are just that, some bands the world over are still heavily influenced by this genre. Case in point, Crucifier who hail from Athens Greece. Crucifier was formed in February of 1995 by Hlias "Thanatoid" Kyriazis (vocals) and Giorgos Kyriazis (ex-bass) and have recorded 3 demos, 2 EP's and one full length before going in the studio to record their second album Cursed Cross featuring the lineup of Thanatoid on vocals, Nikos & Mimis on guitars, Stelios on bass, and Vasilis on drums. Crucifier not only pays tribute to a style that is often forgotten about in this country, but they also carve out a nice little niche for themselves.

The album consists of nine tracks in total, and some of the highlights are "Slaves of Seeded Hatred" which is a blisteringly fast track both musically and vocally that to me reminds me of classic Overkill, "T.V. (Truth's Vileness)" which is a statement on how television helps shape and control our lives. The title track starts at hundred miles a minute and doesn't let up through the entire track.

This is a CD for anyone who truly loves old school thrash metal like Exodus, Death Angel or even pre-1991 Metallica. It's fast, it's heavy, it is what thrash metal was back in the day and Crucifier doesn't seem to care if you like it or not. They're going to keep doing what they do and they do it well. If you're a fair-weather thrash fan, you may not get into this album the way I did, but you should definitely do yourself the favor and get your hands on this one.

My final rating for this album is 9 out of 10 stars. Make sure you get yourself in touch with these guys and get a copy of this one.