Crossforce
Untitled release
Reviewed by Jay Mindeman
When Tony Crider left Golgotha (who are now Valor), I was both shocked and dismayed. Could he form a worthwhile band and ministry? Listen to his new band, Crossforce, and the answer will ring heartily in your ears. "Yes," on all counts. Crossforce's demo has six songs on it, and not only is the musicianship superb, the production quality is far above average. In fact, Crossforce is the best sounding new group I've heard in 1987 so far (albeit it is only four months in). All songs crunch and grind with a metal bite, but have that special "class" that set bands like Dokken and Ratt apart from other heavy hitters. "Tomorrow Will Come" is a hit any way you look at it. It opens hard, lightens up, then builds up to more metal mania. "Our Father," the next tune, opens with some backward lyrics (C'mon Tony, what are they?) and immediately turns into a kicker that will supercharge your battery. "Smoke Filled Room" is a hard rock ballad that is pretty without mellowing out. "Ready and Waiting" is another heavy duty cut worthy of the best in Bay Area heavy metal. "Rock 'Til the Final Day" closes the tape with more metal fury. When someone told me that Phil Castillo was a guitar wizard, I didn't believe it. Believe it. He's furiously fast when he wants, and beautifully slow when you least expect it. His playing, Crider's laid-back and strong vocals, plus the rest of Crossforce add up for a sound that is a headbanger's delight. When Tony Crider went looking for a band, he found a classy bunch of guys. Crossforce has a strong sense of convictions and ministry (did I mention solid lyrics?) and a sound that will get the Word across. Pick this one up, you won't be disappointed.