CRUSADER • Refreshingly surprising brilliance
CRUSADER
Refreshingly surprising brilliance
[ Logo by Scott Rae ]
Action: CRUSADER
Title: In For The Kill
Base: London • UK
Style: Classic Melodic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Genre: Glam Hard Rock, Heavy Rock, Melodic Hard Rock, Melodic Heavy Metal
FFO: Def Leppard, Whitesnake, Ratt
Type: EP
Format: Digital + CD + Vinyl
Label: Independent
Release: May 15, 2025
PR: 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 ᴳᴸᴼᴮᴬᴸ
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/4nmxIcGnSUriWMLyFRMK6I
https://thebandcrusader.bandcamp.com/album/in-for-the-kill
Bulletpoints:
🔘 The newcomer sensation from London
🔘 Immediately convincing across the board
🔘 Songs straight out of the genre’s manual
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZTPth_R4Arc
[ „In For The Kill“ • EP • 2025 ]
CRUSADER, these immensely talented Englishmen prove impressively that it is still possible to triumph into the scene with a real gem out of nowhere:
[ Artwork by Scott Rae ]
TRACKS
1. Wanted Man 05:29
2. Time (Never Stops Running) 04:55
3. In For The Kill 04:06
total: 14:09 min.
The bravura balancing act of the quartet around extremely capable vocalist Tommy Baptiste is based directly in the heyday of the 1980s right up to the present day – and the wonderful EP „In For The Kill“ knows how to inspire immediately with an enormously fresh overall sound in addition to upliftingly energetic, completely fresh-sounding song material: just through and through awesome CLASSIC MELODIC HARD ROCK/HEAVY METAL!
For the time being, CRUSADER have deliberately decided to let the music of their release speak for itself and thus stimulate the imagination and fantasy of the listener – as was often the case in the good old days when you only had one LP and knew absolutely nothing about the band in question. This gave rise to cult legends that never faded in the hearts and minds of many …
LINE-UP
Tommy Baptiste • Vocals
Kyle Stevens • Guitars
Scott Rae • Bass
Nik K • Drums
DISCOGRAPHY
2025 • In For The Kill • EP
MEDIA FEEDBACK:
10 / 10
➤ „It’s like this was ripped straight outta 1988, and I mean that in all the best ways … for being a debut release, this little EP felt surprisingly complete and comprehensive … delicious … you’ve made a fan today … recommended for fans of Ratt, WASP, Dokken, Krokus, Whitesnake, Hitten, Wanted, Crazy Lixx, etc. …“
(THE NWOTHM)
9 / 10
➤ „… mercilessly strong first EP … what a way to start … classic-melodic Hard Rock par excellence … always on the edge of classic English Heavy Metal of the 80s … should undoubtedly belong to the top level in terms of quality … musically located between heroes like Whitesnake and Def Leppard …“
(Zephyr’s Odem)
4 / 5
➤ „… Tommy Baptiste’s vocals are dark and melodic and perfectly complement the fiery guitar work … classic Metal roots expand the melange excellently with slight glam attitudes … crisp and impressive … the fresh sound with an enormous 80s touch is a subtle experience that will truly captivate old traditionalists …“
(Metal Underground AT)
8,7 / 10
➤ „… with clear focus … driving riffs, tight rhythm section, and melodic vocals … steady blend of hooks and leads … the production by Rocco Pezzin is punchy and suits the band’s aesthetic … instruments are evenly balanced … overall mix is clear and direct … clearly understand their strengths and plays to them, sticking to concise arrangements that don’t feel rushed or overdone …“
(Heavy Metal Darkness)
8,5 / 10
➤ „… if you like hard rockin’ vibes such Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Scorpions, Dokken et al then you’ll love this … CRUSADER have the magic ingredients to make this witchery work … vocalist Tommy Baptiste sports the David Coverdale-style of rich, soulful crooning to the point …“
(Metal Forces)
➤ „Let me tell you – this is one of the best releases of the year!“
(Iridium Heavy Rock And Metal Music Reviews)
➤ „The English quartet debuts with a short-lived marvel with a taste of fantasy Hard Rock. Suitable for music lovers who give their lives to classic Hard Rock and its melodies, but also for that sector whose Metal branch is open to catchy songs.“
(Metal Nightmare)
➤ „… sounds like old warriors of the glorious era are at work here … good interplay and clean production … if you like Def Leppard, Whitesnake (their heavier ’1987″ phase!), Keel or Ratt, you should definitely check out these three tracks! If they don’t get a deal for a full album with these songs, I don’t know what will …“
(Crossfire)
➤ „Great … demands attention right from the opening riff, and tells you what CRUSADER is all about, right out of the gates … has walked straight out of the 80’s and I gotta say, sounds pretty damned cool in 2025! Well written, and very well produced … is sure to get stuck in your head and make you long for the best parts of old school Heavy Rock.“
(Wanna Hear A Great Song Today?)
➤ „Old school Hard Rock is alive. And in 2025, it sounds fucking fatter than ever before. Hand on heart (or rather: the battle-vest): anyone who doesn’t risk at least a little headbang pain here has never really loved the 80s god of guitar solos. Top production, razor-sharp writing and plenty of energy …“
(Radio Diabolus)
