GLORYDAZE Music - Articles: Crossfire (Belgium)

ARTIST: Crossfire (Belgium)
ALBUM: See You In Hell
LABEL: Mausoleum
SERIAL: SKULL 8314
YEAR: 1983
CD REISSUE: 1994, Mausoleum, 704114.2

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

LINEUP: Peter De Wint - vocals * Marc Van Caelenberge - guitars * Rudy Van de Sype - guitars * Patrick Van Londerzele - bass * Chris De Brauwer - drums

TRACK LISTING: 01 Demon Of Evil * 02 Killing A Cop * 03 Magnificent Night * 04 Danger On Earth * 05 Fly High * 06 Lover's Game * 07 Starchild * 08 See You In Hell

Background
Back in 1983, I was writing and reviewing for a New Zealand fanzine called Kreshendo. I reviewed this album back then and declared it a 'metal classic' and promptly gave it a 10/10 rating. In hindsight, not a good move really, as the entire Belgian speedy metal sub-genre hasn't really dated that well, and Crossfire shall remain but a distant memory of that early 80's era. Out of curiosity, I recently re-acquainted myself with 'See You In Hell', and remember how I was overcome by those sledgehammer wall of guitars emanating through the grooves. But a 10/10 rating? Err no. It's not difficult remembering how much of a cliched genre it was, still Crossfire delivered a fun romp covering themselves in glory with Accept, Iron Maiden, Motorhead and Judas Priest approved paint-gun splatter, along with pre-requisite bullet belts, red/white leather, all the metal accessories and Explorer guitars a la Matthias Jabs of The Scorpions to boot.

The Songs
Consider those aforementioned bands, it's easy to see how Iron Maiden are called on with the opening 'Demon Of Evil' sounding like a 'Number Of The Beast' imitation, so too 'Killing A Cop' ripping off Judas Priest's 'You Don't Have To Be Old To Be Wise' unmercifully. However, they still sound great with Peter De Wint giving us his best Udo Dirkschneider impression. I read somewhere that this song may have been inspired by Crossfire's original singer Ner Neerinckx murder conviction of a policeman! 'Magnificent Night' is well named, this is a fast paced track with more than a nod to Accept. Think 'Fast As A Shark' delivered with speed metal finesse.. if there is such a thing. 'Danger On Earth' has a W.A.S.P sound to it. Though that band didn't make waves in the USA until the following year, it's like Crossfire had an advance listen to 'L.O.V.E Machine' and ripped it off a year earlier.. lol! 'Fly High' is the album's slow tempo moment, though not lacking for heaviness or intensity. However, they do pick up the pace as the song heads for the exit. 'Lover's Game' is perhaps the most melodic affair on the album, venturing down an Accept meets Krokus path. It's back to slash and speed for the excellent 'Starchild'. This too has an Accept seal of approval, with its galloping 'Lady Lou' styled riffs bringing the 50 to 1 outsider home toward the winning post. The title track 'See You In Hell' is the album finale, the solid drum work and twin guitars sending Crossfire out on a high. The dual tapping guitar solos are amazing on this one.

In Summary
Hardly original, but still a whole of fun when listening to it nearly thirty years later. Perhaps I wasn't too far off my original rating after all? 9.5/10? lol. Grab their sophomore album 'Second Attack' for even more rampant metal! Upon Crossfire's demise in the late 80's, De Wint and De Brauwer would go on to form Belgian melodic rockers Mystery.

Related Articles
N/A

All written content on this website is copyrighted.
Copying of material without permission is not permitted.

Public

Useful Links