CRAZY LIXX are a Hard Rock/Glam Metal fusion band from Malmö, Sweden. The group was started in 2002 as an amateur Rock band starring Rexon and past member Vic Zino until their renown grew and they produced their debut album "Loud Minority" under the local label Swedmetal Records in 2007. When Zino left the band in 2009, they were signed shortly after to the more well-known Frontiers Records, based in Italy. Since then, the band has undergone a major lineup change, in fact, they recruited two brand new guitarists (Olsson and Lundgren) in 2016 to play on their newest album, "Ruff Justice". Despite challenges due to their difficulties in retaining band members, the band has quite impressively continued to perform countless live shows throughout Europe and build a large fan base. Music from their 2017 album release has also been featured in the video game Friday the 13th: The Game. This is no small feat for a foreign Hard Rock band, especially given the hype surrounding the game's creation. CRAZY LIXX are even quoted on the band's official website as saying that "...the new songs draw inspiration from not only music, but also from 1980's horror and action flicks and stand as a glowing reminder that pretty much everything was better in the 80's." What they did was smart; many horror fans are also metal fans, and vice versa, and I'll give it to 'em, they know how to market themselves. Those 40,000 likes on Facebook didn't come out of nowhere.

The first song, "WIld Child", opens with a touch of classic cliché horror sound effects. The howling of the wolves blends right into the chugging guitar riff that blasts right from the start. The chorus has that catchy 80's Hard Rock hit feel, but the song also is decidedly Heavy Metal. The drums in this track lay down a rhythm that has just enough complexity to fit the style perfectly without overdoing it. As CRAZY LIXX says in their bio, "all killer, no filler", and the layered vocals create a multi-layered melody which is a standout in this song. "XIII" is a traditional, flawlessly executed Hard Rock anthem. There's not much more to say, to be honest. The guitar riffs are electrifyingly powerful, the drums are right on beat, and Rexon's voice gives off just the right amount of danger and sleaze for this album. The song is pretty obviously written for the video game. It's called "thirteen" in Roman numerals, for god's sake, but I would listen to it all by itself. It's definitely one of the best on the album, without a doubt.

In "Walk the Wire", things are toned down a bit, and the song takes a turn in the direction of Melodic Rock. I tend to like my songs heavy, but this one was a pleasant surprise. Despite having a bit of the recycled 80's feel here, I did enjoy the waves of atmospheric guitar and the harmonies created by the combination of vocals and instrumental backing. "Shot With a Needle of Love" is a bit of a conundrum for me. It's one of those songs that's great in terms of musical technique and style, but just doesn't stand out. It's a solid piece for sure, and the solo was pretty mind-blowing in the clear, high tone and speed that the guitarist managed to achieve. However, it really does sound just like any other 80's Hard Rock radio hit.

The next song, "Killer", didn't have the same issue, though. I tend to hate ballads and slow songs, but this song conveyed more suspense and drama than the usual boring power ballad. This track was one of the best on the album in my opinion, and the dramatic contrast between the tranquil verses and the explosion of guitars, bass, and drums in the powerful chorus made it unique. Every element in this song seemed as though it was well thought-out and structured, and it created a perfect mixture of swinging Rock n' Roll sleaze and harmony. "Hunter of the Heart" is another awesome song. It's got infectious energy and a swaggering melody in both the chorus and verses. The style of this song reminds me of another Hard Rock group I absolutely loved reviewing, JUNKYARD DRIVE. They had the same sultry, sleazy groove that's such a selling point in this track, and in my opinion that tone and confidence is what makes a kickass Rock n' Roll track. The guitar riffs and drums worked in tandem to create a strong central rhythm, and keep the song pumping ahead.

"Snakes in Paradise" had a bit of the power ballad feel again, but utilized the technique of vocal isolation to give the track an new element. Rexon's voice is suited perfectly for the genre of Hard Rock. He's got that slight vocal fry and the rollicking, rebellious attitude that any Rock vocalist worth their salt should have. Though this track seemed a bit lackluster compared to the previous song, it was still musically solid and the chorus was catchy and melodic. The solo was a standout as well. The guitars in CRAZY LIXX's songs are always right in rhythm and manage to establish flawless hyper speed solo riffs every time. In "If It's Love", there's some truly beautiful guitar work. While this isn't my favorite track, I can still appreciate the musical talent that went into it. The acoustic guitar riffs are romantic and haunting, and the muted drums lead into the passionate and compelling chorus perfectly. This is a slightly clichéd love and loss ballad, but it still has that electrifying power that's so vital in any good Rock song, and that's what makes this track feel complete.

"Kiss of Judas" has a slightly WHITESNAKE-ish feel, given the rhythmic guitar riffs and the thumping, fast-moving beat which follows through for the duration of the track. This song is very catchy. The chorus sounds like something that would've been a huge radio hit in the heyday of 80's Hard Rock, and Rexon's voice is enthralling here. His forceful wails are really the highlight of the track, and they combine with the other instruments in a twisting, engaging melody which is the epitome of Rock. In the last song, "Live Before I Die", CRAZY LIXX establishes a pretty flawless 80's groove which sets a hopeful, live-in-the-moment tone to finish off the album strong. This song was another great one. It turns the spotlight on each instrument in turn, starting off with an intense vocal melody and then focusing on the guitars and bass through intricate riffs and key changes which form a dynamic song. It was over too fast, in my opinion. I wanted the track to keep going.

Overall, I think CRAZY LIXX has a crazy amount of musical talent, which is proven by their ever-growing fan base and ability to crank out albums like nobody's business. They're attempting to perform the impossible feat of reviving 80's Hard Rock, and at times can come off as clichéd or typical in their sound. However, that's not to say that a great majority of their songs are catchy and musically complex, with killer riffs and beautiful harmonies. I'm excited to see what they can do in the future.