SkinClad

If you're a bit familiar with Crusader's situation over the past few years, it can't be denied that they encountered almost nothing but bad luck. When David and Joost left the band in the autumn of 2004 due to some internal disagreements, the line-up changed about every few months. Between David's departure and his come-back at the end of the summer in 2006, Crusader endured demolishing criticisms and had a very hard time to prove themselves live...

No wonder that the fans were exited and relieved when it was announced that David would return. Obviously, like every Crusader fan, I was very looking forward to this release. Where "Fools" featured Dries on drums and Joost as one of the two guitar players, "SkinClad" features a new drummer (Nick), a new guitar player (Toshi) and the adding of the much feared keyboards (by Wim) - of the old line-up there's only half of the people still in the band. Luckily they're all gifted musicians, so the new album wouldn't suffer from a failure. Or that's what I thought (and hoped)...

It's just unbelievable how much a band's sound can change, and this not in any good way whatsoever. On certain moments the sound is so irritating that I just can't believe a band that used to bring us instant classics such as "The Knight Who Wouldn't Die" and "Angus" has lowered its level to (for example) using computer-generic sounds... It's with pain in my heart that I have to say that Crusader's new album isn't worth a dime. Where has the traditional heavy metal sound gone? The only thing this album still has in common with the eighties are the Pacmanish keyboards... On the same time you would think making a record deal with Shiver Records ensures you on some professional cd quality, but even that is hoping for too much. The people who had to mix the album didn't have any experience in mixing metal, which can be heared from the very first notes of the very first song. So I certainly hope the guys in 'sader realise this and bring their recorded tapes to people who actually know what they're doing in the future. Really, this is by far the worst mixed record I heard in a very, very long time. Another remark are songs like "My Mother, My Meadow" and "Leprechauns"... While live they rock and get you singin' along and headbanging, on the album you just wished you never heard those irritating wasters.

Over all this album sounds like a demo from some small band that just started. Maybe it's just the sound where I'm unaccustomed to (due to the keyboards), but I really think it's much more then that. I suppose Filip also realised this - that's why he decided to quit the band even before the official release of the new album.

If people are still interested in checking out Crusader (traditional metal fans really should!), "This Mortal Flesh" or "Fools" will leave you satisfied, but whatever you do, do not start off with this cd, 'cause you won't have any courage left to listen to their older and superiour work. Above all, if you ever get the chance to see them live, certainly do, David is one hell of a performer and a Crusader show always kicks ass!