Refreshingly surprising brilliance

➤ "What a delight to hear the nostalgic 80s sound of the English band again! 'Breaking Out' has surprised me with its nuances, reminiscent of bands like Dokken or Def Leppard. The band fills the ear with incredible riffs, equally catchy melodies, and vocal quality that could easily be found in any top 80s group."
(Nada Hay Bajo El Sol)

➤ "CRUSADER definitely aren't reinventing the wheel here, but holy cow, they sure know how to rock it! Where others often come across as too polished or artificial, they're just honest and put their heart and soul into it. Singer Tommy brings that soulful, raw growl that immediately evokes memories of legends like David Coverdale, while Kyle Stevens on guitar tears through riffs and solos that are pure John Sykes nostalgia. Sound-wise, it’s spot on …"
(MetalZone - Support the Underground)

➤ "The hooks are compelling, the solos really pack a punch, and the whole thing sounds so outrageously genuine that all those over-styled modern Rock bands are likely to turn green with envy. Dokken, Whitesnake and Ratt send their warmest regards, because there’s real passion here … if the upcoming Bandcamp-exclusive track ‘Standing In The Shadows’ maintains this standard, the vinyl will be an absolute must-have. Turn the volume right up!"
(Saitenkult)

➤ "… the spirit of the eighties hangs over the song … no overproduced frills … the guitars really pack a punch, the hooks are spot on, and the chorus has a knack for getting stuck in your head for good after just two listens …"
(Radio Diabolus)

➤ "… a tight and gripping display of classic British grit. With thunderous guitar riffs, a stadium-sized chorus and Tommy Baptiste’s commanding vocals, the track delivers a pure shot of 80s adrenaline. It’s fresh, it’s energetic, and it confirms that the band belongs at the forefront of the new wave of classic Heavy Metal!"
(Rancor Metalzine)

➤ "… relies on a driving, Sykes-style guitar line from Kyle Stevens and a rhythm section that keeps the tempo swinging naturally. Vocalist Tommy Baptiste carries the track with a husky, Coverdale-esque rasp that gives the song its grit without sounding like a forced impersonation. The arrangement doesn't waste time on long-winded intros, stepping straight into a big chorus before letting the lead guitar work tear through the bridge … it’s a compact piece of classic British Hard Rock that keeps the grit intact. CRUSADER aren't trying to change the formula: they just play it with honest energy and a great ear for a heavy riff."
(Metal Papy Jeff)

Previous appreciation

10 / 10
➤ "It’s like this was ripped straight outta 1988, and I mean that in all the best ways … for being a debut release, this little EP felt surprisingly complete and comprehensive … delicious … you’ve made a fan today … recommended for fans of Ratt, WASP, Dokken, Krokus, Whitesnake, Hitten, Wanted, Crazy Lixx, etc. …"
(THE NWOTHM)

9 / 10
➤ "... mercilessly strong first EP ... what a way to start ... classic-melodic Hard Rock par excellence ... always on the edge of classic English Heavy Metal of the 80s … should undoubtedly belong to the top level in terms of quality ... musically located between heroes like Whitesnake and Def Leppard ..."
(Zephyr's Odem)

4 / 5
➤ "... Tommy Baptiste's vocals are dark and melodic and perfectly complement the fiery guitar work ... classic Metal roots expand the melange excellently with slight glam attitudes ... crisp and impressive ... the fresh sound with an enormous 80s touch is a subtle experience that will truly captivate old traditionalists ..."
(Metal Underground AT)

8,7 / 10
➤ "… with clear focus … driving riffs, tight rhythm section, and melodic vocals … steady blend of hooks and leads … the production by Rocco Pezzin is punchy and suits the band’s aesthetic … instruments are evenly balanced … overall mix is clear and direct … clearly understand their strengths and plays to them, sticking to concise arrangements that don't feel rushed or overdone …"
(Heavy Metal Darkness)

8,5 / 10
➤ "… if you like hard rockin’ vibes such Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Scorpions, Dokken et al then you’ll love this … CRUSADER have the magic ingredients to make this witchery work … vocalist Tommy Baptiste sports the David Coverdale-style of rich, soulful crooning to the point …"
(Metal Forces)

8,5 / 10
➤ "... meticulous attention to detail yet raw, untamed energy ... not pure nostalgia, but fresh, biting, pure glam adrenaline. With this EP, CRUSADER prove that 80s flair doesn't have to smell old ... anyone who loves Whitesnake, Ratt, Dokken, or Crazy Lixx can sew this sparkling newcomer grenade right onto their battlevest."
(Saitenkult)

8,5 / 10
➤ "A glorious time when bands such as Twisted Sister and W.A.S.P. delivered a magical mix of Metal and Rock, CRUSADER are pulsating with an early eighties vibe – and I should know, for I was a teenager during (arguably) the best decade for Heavy Metal, raised on a daily diet of ‘Maiden, Motörhead and ‘Priest!"
(Metal Gods TV)

8 / 10
➤ "… evokes memories of the early 80s and Def Leppard right from the first song ... catchy melodies ... intricate workmanship at its finest ... the master of voice Tommy Baptiste - the timbre of his voice changes every second when necessary. This variability is impressive and gives their Melodic Hard Rock with its Metal influences that extra kick …"
(Bleeding4Metal)

8 / 10
➤ "… full of references to Def Leppard, Warrant, Great White & Dokken etc … incredibly capable vocalist and guitarist … production is nothing short of superb … leaves me wanting more … if this genre of Rock/Metal music is your thing then you probably won’t hear a more authentic sounding release in 2025."
(Banshee Entertainment)

8 / 10
➤ "… top-notch. The production is also very good! Crystal-clear guitars, a rich bass, thundering drums, and vocals that rival the greats like Klaus Meine, among others. What a voice! Fans of the Scorpions, Def Leppard, White Lion, and the like will be fully satisfied! If this level can be maintained for the entire album, I'll be digging out my mesh shirt!"
(ReviewRalle)

➤ "Let me tell you - this is one of the best releases of the year!"
(Iridium Heavy Rock And Metal Music Reviews)

➤ "The English quartet debuts with a short-lived marvel with a taste of fantasy Hard Rock. Suitable for music lovers who give their lives to classic Hard Rock and its melodies, but also for that sector whose Metal branch is open to catchy songs."
(Metal Nightmare)

➤ "... sounds like old warriors of the glorious era are at work here ... good interplay and clean production ... if you like Def Leppard, Whitesnake (their heavier ’1987" phase!), Keel or Ratt, you should definitely check out these three tracks! If they don't get a deal for a full album with these songs, I don't know what will ..."
(Crossfire)

➤ "Great … demands attention right from the opening riff, and tells you what CRUSADER is all about, right out of the gates … has walked straight out of the 80’s and I gotta say, sounds pretty damned cool in 2025! Well written, and very well produced … is sure to get stuck in your head and make you long for the best parts of old school Heavy Rock."
(Wanna Hear A Great Song Today?)

➤ "Old school Hard Rock is alive. And in 2025, it sounds fucking fatter than ever before. Hand on heart (or rather: the battle-vest): anyone who doesn't risk at least a little headbang pain here has never really loved the 80s god of guitar solos. Top production, razor-sharp writing and plenty of energy ..."
(Radio Diabolus)

➤ "... gems that border on perfection in both composition and execution ... the vocals are awesome ... the stylistic coordinates are those of the 80s, melodic yet fiery Hard Rock/Metal, which conquered the world thanks to bands like Def Leppard, Scorpions, Dokken, Skid Row, Bon Jovi, and of course Whitesnake ... truly a little juwel ..."
(The Murder Inn)

➤ "… gonna turn the heads of every listener and metalhead around the world in the direction of London … delivers the goods in more ways than one - the energy, attraction and pure oomph are all straight off the top shelf."
(Frenzy Fire)

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