From the haunted crypts of Philadelphia, blackened metalpunk fiends BASTARD CRÖSS are clawing their way to the surface with their full-length debut Crossripper, set to strike fear (and joy) into the hearts of the underground this Halloween via Morbid and Miserable Records. Equal parts thrash, black metal, and crust-laden punk chaos, Crossripper is a gnashing, blood-soaked ode to horror, rebellion, and raw, filthy riff worship.
From the Grave to the Stage
Formed during the pandemic’s dark days, BASTARD CRÖSS rose from the remains of previous projects, forged in frustration and hunger. What began as a jam between two misfits quickly morphed into a feral beast of its own — equal doses of venom, noise, and unholy intent. The band’s chemistry is rooted in their diverse backgrounds: punk, thrash, black metal, and old-school rock ‘n’ roll crash together in a sound that feels both feral and strangely timeless.
“When this started, we wanted it to sound like a forgotten tape from 1986,” the band shared during our chat. “Something crusty, fast, dangerous — that mix of punk, Motörhead energy, and the first wave of black thrash.”
That goal was more than achieved. The band’s early EPs and splits (Bastard Cross, Beasts of the Night, and Faster Than the Devil II) earned them underground respect and a reputation for blistering authenticity. But Crossripper? That’s where things get truly unhinged.
A Horror Metal Feast
Crossripper is steeped in horror — from cursed villages and undead revenants to demonic rites and desecrated altars. Each song feels like its own twisted tale pulled straight from a lost VHS nightmare.
It kicks off with “Parasitic”, a crust-fueled massacre that sets the tone for what’s to come. The title track, “Crossripper,” dives headfirst into occult chaos, invoking the names of seven demons across death-laden riffs and ritualistic chants. “Lycan Knights” howls through a moonlit blend of black and speed metal, while the re-recorded “Headless” pays homage to the band’s origins — now heavier, nastier, and galloping with Celtic Frost swagger.
From the tongue-in-cheek sleaze of “Demons at Midnight” to the Egyptian death march of “Sarcophagus”, the record revels in its monster-movie theatrics. The band even describes Crossripper as a “monster-of-the-week musical,” each track embodying a new creature or cursed spirit, stitched together by riffs and rebellion.
“We love classic horror, and we love metal — so we just smash it all together,” they laughed. “It’s filthy, it’s fun, and it’s got heart underneath all the blood.”
Recorded in the Mausoleum
BASTARD CRÖSS returned once again to their trusted collaborator Armen at Red Mausoleum Studios — the same producer and engineer who has been with them since their inception. “He knows exactly what we’re about,” the band said. “He’s not just recording us; he pushes us. If something isn’t nasty enough, he’ll say, ‘You can do better,’ and he’s always right.”
That shared creative trust has helped shape their distinct sonic identity — a perfect balance of filth, fury, and finesse. The album was mastered by Jamie King, with artwork from Sandy Rezalmi, capturing the rotten grandeur of BASTARD CRÖSS’ world.
Forged in Fire, Fueled by Community
Despite their demonic aesthetic, BASTARD CRÖSS remains deeply rooted in the Philly underground. Each member juggles multiple projects, linking the band into the broader web of punk, metal, and extreme music scenes. “Everyone around here’s in like three bands,” they joked. “It’s just how it is. It’s a scene built on passion — and beer.”
And that sense of camaraderie bleeds into Crossripper — an album born from friendship, frustration, and a shared love of all things evil and loud.
The Final Beheading
Closing with the devastating “Behead the Priest,” Crossripper leaves no survivors. It’s fast, raw, cinematic, and completely unrepentant — the sound of a band that knows exactly who they are and what they stand for. Horror fans, punks, and metalheads alike will find something to worship in its chaos.
Crossripper drops this Halloween via Morbid and Miserable Records, available on digital, vinyl, CD, and cassette. Whether you’re lighting candles or raising horns, BASTARD CRÖSS is ready to soundtrack your Samhain slaughter.
Bastard Cröss LINKS
