Philadelphia’s Blackened Thrash Metal outfit Bastard Cröss, having dropped a couple of splits and EPs, are now set to unleash their first full-length album, Crossripper. So brace yourself because it is an exciting slab of brutality.
Bastard Cröss – Crossripper
Release Date: 31 October 2025
Words: Jools Green
Soundwise, they deliver a full throttle meld of Thrash and Black Metal with an added dose of punk aggression inspired by the likes of Slayer, Exodus, Dissection and Anti-Cimex. They take lyrical inspiration from horror films and religious history, specifically dark and violent documented events, combining it into an action-packed, exhilarating listen. 
Pummelling drum rhythms open the first track, the fast-paced Parasitic, whose lyrics tell the tale of a parasite-ridden village, plagued to kill in the name of that which they believe to be their master. It is an unrelenting driver densely filled with driving thrashy riffs, with direction switches that are sharp and slick.
Scathingly acidic vocals cut through, and mid-point leadwork soars and squeals, which builds on the unnervingly intense atmosphere already created. Parasitic is completed by closing leadwork, which adds a final haunting mood. It is an attention-grabbing opening piece, and what’s even better is the fact that every piece across this album has a similar hold on your focus, too.
Next is the album’s title track, Crossripper, which unleashes slower opening riffs that take the mood darker and deathlier. Ramping up again to a rapid-paced thrashy drive, there are pace drops that reflect the darker and deathlier opening with the vitriolic vocals ripping through, and the shout of “Crossripper” punching through also.
I do like the addition of squealing leadwork that heralds the closing chants of the names of the seven demons or princes of Hell, which adds the powerful element of Satanic psychodrama.
Reflecting elements of early Black Metal, Lycan Knights steps into dark fantasy realms. I like the addition of the twin vocal performances from both Blasphemous Axe and Heathen Chevalier, adding depth and impact to the lyrics, particularly the deeper delivery. It is also a driving beast with hypnotic, repeating riff patterns, squealing leadwork, making it just a little darker and more sinister.
Originally featured on the band’s debut self-titled EP and now presented as a rerecorded and updated version, Headless is themed around a headless horseman. Opening on a cinematic soundbite followed by eerie riffs that build, a pace that drives, and unnerving vocals add to the dark, unnerving atmosphere. Midway through the second half, you get a superb swathe of leadwork.
Despite the title suggesting otherwise, the next piece, Satanic Pandemonium, is inspired by Ancient Egypt. It is a driving punky d-beat rich beast that is rich with Death Metal riffing and leads, thrashy squeals and caustic vocals, combining to make an engaging and exciting listen.
Staying with the Egyptian theme, the next piece, Sarcophagus, is undoubtedly inspired by one of the many popular Egypt-themed horror films, as it follows a mummy who returns from the dead with a macabre purpose, leaving death and destruction in its wake.
It is slow and sinister to open, gradually building in pace to a thrashy gallop. The acidic vocals punch through and are bolstered by some superbly unearthly deep vocals, with the pace ebbing and building with sinister intent, becoming darker and more intense with every build. You can also look forward to a generous burst of lead work at the close.
Demons At Midnight is apparently a diversion into the ’80s Glam Metal scene. Not a genre I am familiar with, but I am guessing it will be those unnerving high screams that punctuate the track and puncture my eardrums.
I do believe Bastard Cröss are having a bit of a chuckle here with this piece, too, but screams aside, it is a catchy number with some excellent riffs and repeating melodies. The lead work and drum work are rather good, too.
Heading back into the realms of Thrash aggression with the penultimate piece, Phantom Pestilence, the lyrical theme is that of spirits protecting their cemetery from trespassers. Given the shenanigans that some visitors to cemeteries are known to indulge in, who can blame them?
A relatively straightforward driving piece with great riffs and engaging repeats, the song builds in intense waves and is topped with acerbic vocals, stopping dead at the end! Make of that what you will.
On the final piece, Behead The Priest, Bastard Cröss lyrically explore the brutal devastation of a church, its priests and nuns by a dark, unholy force. Opening on the spoken soundbite “Evil, pure uncorrupted, ancient,” it breaks into a galloping drive with intense swathes building on the atmosphere further. Punctuated with unnerving melodic bursts, haunting yet sinister lead work, acidic vocals and torturous screams, the closing minute turns reflective with haunting vocalisations, clean guitars alongside subtle Black Metal undertones.
So, if you feel like treating yourself this Halloween, then Crossripper from Bastard Cröss could well be the ideal gift. Available as a digital download, vinyl, CD and tape via Morbid and Miserable, it harbours an element of essential tongue-in-cheek humour and is also guaranteed to sear the flesh from your face. It is that good.
