Crossrock is a Hard Rock/Hair Metal band from São Paulo, Brazil that was formed by frontman Rane Cross. Brazil is no stranger to christian Metal, you can find many bands calling this South American country home. However, Brazilian Metal bands have struggled in the area of getting their product(albums) out there for the international market. With that said, we are very happy that Crossrock has overcome this problem and have there music more accessible for the world to purchase.
The band's moniker has a double meaning where first of all we find that there's the connection that the band "rocks" about Jesus who died on a cross paying the penalty for the sins of those who believe in Him. Secondly, the band is named after founder & frontman Rane Cross.
The band's moniker has a double meaning where first of all we find that there's the connection that the band "rocks" about Jesus who died on a cross paying the penalty for the sins of those who believe in Him. Secondly, the band is named after founder & frontman Rane Cross.
Have you ever been spinning a record and suddenly felt transported back in time to a certain era in history? Well for me, that's exactly what happens with every spin of Crossrock's 2014 debut full-length album 'Come On Baby'. It starts with a glimpse of the album's cover art that looks like something that would have come right out of the 80's Metal scene. However, the time warp doesn't stop there, but continues with the many different styles of guitar shredn' along with the Vocals and Keys on each and every tune on this Rockn' release. Crossrock has even included a power ballad "Without Love" that would fit nicely right beside many of the ballads from the 80's.
Crossrock has their record label with Voice Music and we find that the album is well produced with Vocals and instruments in their proper places in the mixes.
Crossrock has their record label with Voice Music and we find that the album is well produced with Vocals and instruments in their proper places in the mixes.
The band shows that they are not just a one trick pony with their ability to mix things up from acoustic tunes to Rock to Heavy Metal as seen in the barn burner-title-track "Come On Baby". But Crossrock also shows there ability to let loose and have some fun when they let things swing with some well executed sax play and a slight Big Band sound on track 10 - "I Feel Your Cold".
Vocalist Rane Cross fills his position well as lead Vocalist for this Brazilian Metal band. His performance here comes complete with all the hooks that helped make the Hair Metal era great. Cross shows his Vocal range when he hits those high notes not unlike Vocalists-Michael Sweet(Stryper) and Vocalist-Dale Thompson(Bride). Then there's a few tunes where the Vocals closely reminds one of frontman-Jamie Rowe(Guardian) as found in the tunes "Let's Dance" , "A Letter 4U" and "When Love Goes Away".
The guitar work is handled from a duo guitar onslaught delivered up by frontman-Rane Cross & Guitarist-Israel Nicoletti. These two know the definition of shred and bring to the table plenty of 80's era guitar tricks. For those who like it fast and rippn', there's a fare share of Power Metal riffs along with some sick galloping riffs. We are treated to some sweet acoustic guitars on some of the slower tunes like "When Love Goes Away" , "Without Love" and "A Letter 4U". The guitars of Rane and Nicoletti really help to drive this album home and make this a stellar project.
The percussion team for Crossrock consist of Bassist-Junior Savio & Drummer-J.P. who both do a fine job with their parts here. Junior Savio lays down the right amount of base lines to keep things heavy while J.P. keeps time for the band as he rocks the kit more in the 80's Metal style of play similar to the Arena Rock bands of that day.
It's worth mentioning that the track "My Life" is a love song to his wife
about his devotion to be faithful to her.
about his devotion to be faithful to her.
"My Life"
I want you by my side to be my wife
I'll give my hand to you forever
My life
I'll live for you
(Oh my lady)
My life
Is better on your side
My life
I'll live for you
(Oh my lady)
My life
Is better on your side
I want you by my side to be my wife
I'll give my hand to you forever
My life
I'll live for you
(Oh my lady)
My life
Is better on your side
My life
I'll live for you
(Oh my lady)
My life
Is better on your side
The lyrics on this 2014 release, are ministry focused as you can see in the following lyrics:
"Without Love"
People try to end
The flames of love
That insists on burning
Without oxygen
Where is love?
Where is love?
Where is love?
Without love
The people will die
There will be no sense
There will be no poetry
Without love
Without love
God has gifted us His love
To feel the same by the Creator
But this did not happen
And He was, He was sacrificed for us
Where is love?
Where is love?
Where is love?
"Come On Baby"
Surrender
You have no chance against us
We will not retreat.
Forward without fear
No way No way
We believe in only one God
We're with the lord of hosts
And have the sword in...
In your hand, fight with faith
So we will win
Give me your hand, I am with you
Until the end
Come on baby, come fight with us
Come on baby, come fight
The battle is won
learning to fight
If you have
Strength and believe
The angels will be around you
Fighting side by side
"Without Love"
People try to end
The flames of love
That insists on burning
Without oxygen
Where is love?
Where is love?
Where is love?
Without love
The people will die
There will be no sense
There will be no poetry
Without love
Without love
God has gifted us His love
To feel the same by the Creator
But this did not happen
And He was, He was sacrificed for us
Where is love?
Where is love?
Where is love?
"Come On Baby"
Surrender
You have no chance against us
We will not retreat.
Forward without fear
No way No way
We believe in only one God
We're with the lord of hosts
And have the sword in...
In your hand, fight with faith
So we will win
Give me your hand, I am with you
Until the end
Come on baby, come fight with us
Come on baby, come fight
The battle is won
learning to fight
If you have
Strength and believe
The angels will be around you
Fighting side by side
Crossrock lists the following bands as their influences: Guardian, White Cross, Stryper, Idle Cure, Petra, Shout, Ken Tamplin, Blood Good, Winger, Holy Soldier, Fire House, Mr. Big, T.N.T, Angelica, Danger Danger, White Lion, White Snake, and Cinderella. Listening to this album one can definitely hear some of these influences in their music especially Guardian, Holy Soldier, and Stryper.
If you are a fan of 80's era Metal/Hard Rock then you will have a lot to appreciate here with the 80's style arrangements on this debut album.
If you are a fan of 80's era Metal/Hard Rock then you will have a lot to appreciate here with the 80's style arrangements on this debut album.
Musicians:
Rane Cross–Lead Vocals & Guitars
Israel Nicoletti–Guitars & Backing Vocals
Junior Savio–Bass & Backing Vocals
J.P.–Drums & Backing Vocals
Rane Cross–Lead Vocals & Guitars
Israel Nicoletti–Guitars & Backing Vocals
Junior Savio–Bass & Backing Vocals
J.P.–Drums & Backing Vocals