From the ashes of MOR-TO-LIFE and with members that most came the Thrash Metal outfit of HAMMERWHORE, the Texan Metal group, CRUXITER, made their intention to play their music traditional. After releasing a few demos, the band linked a record deal with the local Heaven & Hell Records that will eventually release their debut album some time soon. Recently, I got this two song teaser from the band's vocalist, Joe Gonzalez. When I listened to the duo of tracks I found myself back in the early 80s of Britain's NWOBHM along with a few early US Metal twitches in order to keep the American identity in check.

I was very impressed by the production. It sounded straightforward, classic in its direction and in all probability just what the material needed to have as scenery. The material itself showed promise, especially if you are a band that would like to reoccur the earlier years of Metal and boy do the American people need that crucial reminder. I wouldn't say that "Paradise Found" nor "The Church / May Eve" made an impact, each on its own, but there is a good potential hopefully of what will come next. Don't get me wrong, there is a good sense of class around the duo, but there is a feeling that more is needed to be heard in order to be more conclusive.

Gonzalez's vocals really made an impression, he reminded me some of the great high pitched dudes of the 80s, nonetheless, I couldn't say the same about the rhythm section of Rick Ortiz on drums. The drumming inflicted a too generic nature and too simple even for traditional Metal. I would have made a few modifications. All that is left for me now is to wait for the debut album, it will be interesting.