CROSSFAITH
AЯK
UNFD
9/10
HEAVY ELECTRONICORE: Crossfaith is a band that cannot be pigeonholed into one genre. The Japanese noise merchants blur the lines when it comes to conventional labels, perhaps never more so than on their latest release, AЯK, a record that’s equal parts heavy, danceable, melodic, and brutal.
“The Final Call” delivers an intense electronic intro, setting the stage for Kenta Koie’s powerful vocals and Kazuki Takemura’s intricate guitar riffs on the subsequent “ZERO,” an absolutely crushing track that seamlessly blends genres, creating a sound that is both unique and exhilarating. The electronic layers, masterfully crafted by Terufumi Tamano, add a futuristic vibe that perfectly complements the heavy instrumentation. The breakdowns are brutal, yet melodic, demonstrating Crossfaith’s adeptness at balancing aggression with harmony. “My Own Salvation” is a relentless barrage of heavy riffs and rapid-fire drumming—the electronic elements are more pronounced here, creating an almost industrial feel. Koie’s vocal delivery is raw and visceral, channeling an intensity that is palpable.
There are times throughout AЯK when Crossfaith leans closer to Electric Callboy territory (“God Speed”), which adds a wildly fun unpredictability to the record. This shit isn’t noise for the sake of noise—Crossfaith knows what they’re putting to wax, and AЯK is maddening controlled chaos set to a killer beat. “Warriors” offers a slightly different flavor, leaning more into the electronic side—the synth-driven intro is reminiscent of the cyberpunk aesthetic, building up to a drop that hits with max force. Metalcore, electronica, electronic metal, electronicore, this is a track that effectively blurs the lines of what Crossfaith is sonically. “L.A.M.N.” sounds more akin to Celldweller than anything else with seamless interplay between electronic and metal, “Night Waves” offers up chill vibes in spades, and the band ends things on a high note with “Canopus,” an adrenaline rush from start to finish, with a driving rhythm and infectious chorus.
There’s a good chance you’re not going to hear much else like what Crossfaith has done here with AЯK—high energy, genre blending, and unapologetically heavy. They have created such a unique listening experience, one that’s hard to look away from and one you certainly cannot ignore. ~ Brian Campbell
