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Review Summary: Rising from the ashes, after 9 years since their debut album and numerous lineup changes, Crossbreed are back with one of the best records of 2009. This is heavy industrial metal with many hooks throughout. Crossbreed are one of the greater bands that broke out when nu-metal was on a craze. Their debut album, “Synthetic Division”, didn’t exactly do amazing, but it showed that they were onto something. They mixed heavy and harsh industrial sounds with nu-metal and created a unique sound that, as far as I know, wasn’t something most bands did at the time. The record was fun and is of the more mature sounding records I’ve heard to come out of the nu-metal scene. Over the years, they have lost many of their original members that played on that album and have gained new ones. They released an EP in 2005 entitled “New Slave Nation” and have had a 2nd record in the works for quite some time now. After 9 years and many occasions where it got pushed back, KE 101 was finally released on September 15th 2009, and it definitely delivers.
Spanned across this album are 11 tracks of pure industrial metal with blazing keyboards and synths, roaring guitars and bass, decent drum work, great vocals, and crazed samples that add to the blend of chaos. This album grabs you from the first track and doesn’t let up its sonic assault on the listener until it’s over. Album opener ‘Kill Everything’ is a defining statement and a great way to start the album. It almost sounds like a live track at the beginning, with samples of a crowd roaring as the industrial beats come in and the guitars join it creating a heavy atmosphere which sets the stage to introduce vocalist James Rietz. On “Synthetic Division”, it was obvious that he was still trying to master singing and screaming and had some work to do on improving his voice. On this album, he has mastered his techniques, and presents his great screaming and clean vocals on the first track. What follows is one of the best songs on the album, ‘Hollow’. It has great verses with driving guitars and industrial elements that lead to a chorus that has one of the best hooks on the record. It’s almost impossible not to sing along to the track. It should be noted that Guitarist Chris Nemzek still doesn’t use his skills to their full potential, but he does experiment more than he did on ”Synthetic Division” and as a result the guitars have taken a step up on this album.
Consistency is one of the key factors in what makes this album what it is. There really isn’t a single track worth skipping. The lyrics aren’t terrible, the songs flow well as an album, and there is little repetition. Even the ‘Superstition’ cover is well done and doesn’t put the original one to shame, the industrial elements that Crossbreed bring to the table give the song a whole new dimension of sound. “The Calling” is a perfect example of how this band fuses industrial with metal so well. The song is heavy but melodic at the same time and features an all around great performance from all of the members as everyone adds to the song. The final minute of the song is one of the greatest moments on the album, when the samples and drums crash into the heavy guitars that don’t let up till the track ends. The album closer, ‘Beg’, isn’t one of the best on the record and ends suddenly, but leaves the listener satisfied knowing that Crossbreed have really done it this time around.
One of the sad things about everything that has to do with KE 101 is that Crossbreed aren’t a popular band at all. As a matter of fact, a lot of people probably have no idea that this album even came out this year at all. It’s unfortunate because these guys really play a great style of industrial metal that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you are a fan of either genre and are looking for some great heavy music to listen to, I would definitely give KE 101 a spin. You shouldn’t be disappointed…this is a band that has truly defined their sound on one of the top records of 2009.
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Album Rating: 4.5
whoa, even though you gave this a .5 lower rating than me you seem to praise it even more than I did hehe.
Overall a great review, my only complaint would be that it's kind of (maybe even too) similar to mine :-). A pos from me still and yeah, these guys DEFINITELY need some more recognition
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Yeah, I tried to keep away from the way yours was written....but I do love this album. Thanks Styles.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
no problem man, good to see some people checking it out and, haha inevitably, enjoying it
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Good review. I was VERY surprised when this album wasn't a total turd. Have a pos.
Crossbreed are one of the greater bands that broke out when nu-metal was on a craze. They were crap ;) They mixed heavy and harsh industrial sounds with nu-metal and created a unique sound that, as far as I know, wasn’t something most bands did at the time. Drown, Stabbing Westward, Static-X, The Hunger, Clay People, Spineshank, Acumen Nation (one album)...
| | | Album Rating: 2.0
Band was boring nine years ago and not much has changed.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
They were crap ;) goddamnit shut up already Willie haha. Band was good 9 years ago and is fan-fucking-tastic now.
| | | Album Rating: 2.0
I disagree
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
This band is great, although I can understand that the style of music they play isnt one that everyone can appreciate.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
I disagree it's fine dude, I'm just telling Willie to shut up as I'm pretty sure he is always mentioning that just to fule me up as he knows i love this band haha
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Would I do something like that???
Hey, by the way, have you heard of Crossbreed before? I heard they suck.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
well, now when Elementary comes back he at least has an example ;)
| | | Album Rating: 2.0
Yup perfect example lol. Sorry Metalstyles but I wish I had never heard of these guys.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Bands awesome, tho I agree with Willie their previous release was pretty sucky
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Yeah, they had a lot to improve on with their first album, and they certainly improved this time around.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Yup perfect example lol. Sorry Metalstyles but I wish I had never heard of these guys. too bad, but i still effing love these guys. The only album by them i don't fancy is their debut demo .01. I think if Willie would hear it he would give it a 1 lol.Bands awesome, tho I agree with Willie their previous release was pretty sucky well at least we can concentrate on how awesome this release is!
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
fucking eh Styles. Oh btw hows ur girl doing? you guys manage to work everything out?
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
haha yeah I know I'm obsessed with this album. And sure I can answer you, but first, care to tell me who exactly are you lol?
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Okay but first let me ask you a question, does mcdonalds have a drive thru?
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
yeah, I already figued you out Fukenkuntz ;). And to answer your question, no, things turned to shit and they are like that still.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
jesus dude took you long enough hehe. That sucks, but at least you still have Crossbreed by ur side
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