The rise of Alternative Rock in the end of the 80s and its success during the first half of the 90s is saw by many Metal and Rock fans as a stagnation, or the end of the reign of Glam Metal in the charts of the best-selling albums. But in reality, it caused a shift on musical models that were eroded and brought tons of different elements to be used in the future. And the Italian quintet CROSSING BELT is a fine heir of what was shown on those days, as heard on “Black Sheep”.

The album as produced, recorded, mixed and mastered at Tones Recordings by Jaxon, with the idea of bearing a clean and defined sonority, but with that weight and filthy appeal used by Alternative Rock acts of the 90s. And everything followed on such a way, granting the band’s music an energetic appeal. The band shows a musical work plenty of influences from Grunge and Post-Grunge Rock, along with Alternative Metal/Rock elements, but with tons of Southern Rock touches on their blend. It bears some far resemblances with acts as SOUNDGARDEN, NICKELBACK, BLACK STONE CHERRY and others in such trend, but without being a copy. Their music is guitar-overdriven, plenty of Country Rock touches, charming melodies and tons of crude energy. Yes, it’s very good, indeed.

Musically, “Black Sheep” is solid and homogeneous, but “Come Get Some” and “Wild Side” (both are songs plenty of Southern Rock/Alternative Metal influences with a melancholic appeal and very good melodies), “Run to the Grave” (a frantic and dirty Rock ‘n’ Roll song full of adrenaline, with a heavy crush from bass guitar and drums), “Rock ‘n Roll” (an Alternative/Grunge ballad with excellent vocals full of emotions, with tunes and vibratos similar to the ones used by Chris Cornell and Scott Weiland), “Intoxicated” (here the Groove Metal/Rock side of their music becomes evident, and what catchy melodies), and… Well, give yourself a chance and dive deep on these, as well on “Watch You Burn”, “Take You Down” and “Black Sheep”. It’s crude and bitter, but delicious as well.

“Black Sheep” is really an excellent release, showing that CROSSING BELT has a lot to offer to the fans of Alternative Metal ways (and to all those who don’t give a fuck on genres’ names).