Cross Bringer – Healismus Aeternus
Release Date: 21st February 2025
Label: Consouling Sounds/Silent Pendulum
Bandcamp
Genre: Blackened Hardcore, Blackened Noise, Black Metal.
FFO: Predatory Void, Reka, Hoari, Downfall of Gaia, Wiegedood, Oathbreaker, Okkultokrati, Celeste.
Review By: Andy Spoon
I’ve always been a fan of the noise metal subgenre in the extreme metal realm, especially in recent years, having been spoiled with some bangers from Transcending Obscurity and I, Voidhanger records. I’ve been thankful that the genre seems to see a more mainstream following. Cross Bringer seems to be poised to add their name to the list of bands who’re making a splash in that world with their most recent album, Healismus Aeternus, which is set to be released on 21st February 2025 via Consouling Sounds/Silent Pendulum.
One of the things that makes Cross Bringer’s newest album stand out is the inclusion of some extremely well-placed elements of black metal, noise metal, and post-black music with the inclusion of furious female-fronted high pitch grinding vocals that relentlessly push the boundaries of each of the constituent genres, something that makes Cross Bringer a band that ought to be considered if you are really wanting to broaden your horizons and enjoy a quality blackened noise album this February.
The album only scales in at 5 tracks, but don’t be fooled. The average track time of each segment is generally around 6 minutes or more. Some of the tracks feature a relentless noise assault, punishing and volatile, out of tune and back in tune. The vocal attack is chesty and raspy, giving perfect “cut” to the sonic depravity of the album. One of the things that I particularly enjoyed was the deep and well-mixed bass guitar, give a chunky and modern flavor to the mix, something that isn’t always present in noise metal albums, ultimately legitimizing the album’s musical content to a further degree, something that is especially-poignant in the post-black segments and slowdowns.
Overall, I think that if you’re a fan of extreme noise metal with blackened elements, vocals, and some post-black interludes, you are likely to really enjoy Cross Bringer’s Healismus Aeternus, as I think that this is one of those albums that ought to receive good reviews and reception in 2025. There’s a lot to like on this album, and I think that people who really know about the genres that Cross Bringer draw influences from will appreciate the tapestry of sound that the band has brought on this release.
(4 / 5)
