Dead Cross – II
Release Date: 28th October 2022
Label: Ipecac Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Hardcore Punk
FFO: Accused, Siege, Deep Wound.
Review By: Liam True
Chaotic. Disorientating. Mind melting.
Just a few words to describe II, as the hardcore punk supergroup unleashes its new album unto the world. With Dead Cross you know exactly what you’re going to get and that’s unfiltered raw craftsmanship. Since Reign Of Error dropped back in July, it’s been one of the most anticipated albums of 2022 as the quartet have finally announced the follow-up to their blistering self-titled debut from 2017. But unfortunately, it’s more of a sophomore slump than a step above their debut. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a terrible album, but it’s more filler than killer.
Reign Of Error & Love Without Love both show that they’ve put some elbow grease into this. But when Christian Missile Crisis & Nightclub Canary are on the same album, it really lets it down. Considering the star power on this record alone, it’s a drop in quality on the songwriting side of this from the previous record. But it’s not all doom and gloom, as the vocals of one of rocks most diverse voices screams and wails across the album. Mike Patton shows his range of gruff growls and cat like screeches as the guitar work of Michael Crain combined with the bass of Justin Pearson, provide an intense backdrop, while Dave Lombardo’s drumming is raw and unfiltered as it’s been for years.
Strong And Wrong & Ants & Dragons are amazing songs, but when followed and preceded by Heart Reformer & Nightclub Canary it loses its traction and slips back into ‘Oh, was that it?’ territory. Whilst the songwriting does lack some flavour for me personally, it’s the production that actually blows me away more. It’s a great sounding record, as nothing is overpowered, and it’s all perfectly balanced. Patton and Lombardo are synchronised while Pearson & Crain’s fretboards are taking a battering from Animal Espionage alone.
If you’re a fan of not only Dead Cross but the entire hardcore punk genre as a whole, then I recommend you give this album a spin, as you may feel differently to it as I do. But for me, as good as some songs are, it doesn’t feel like it’s as good as their debut. Phenomenal production, but lacking in the catchy department.
(3 / 5)
