2nd September 2026

Review: “Wildfire / Full of Grace” by Cross Check

After last year’s EP “if you’re not afraid then why are you shaking” earned them the opportunity to open for the likes of Comeback Kid, Mindforce and Converge, Montréal Quebec Canadian Metallic Hardcore band Cross Check signed with Static Era Records. Known for introspective, emotional lyrics combined with spine shattering riffs, their intense live show had already made them a staple in the Quebec Hardcore scene. Mastered by Alan Douches (Baroness, Mastodon, Cannibal Corpse) at West West Side Music having been recorded and mixed by Jordan Barillaro at Mixart Studios with production assistance from Felix Crawford Legault, their first record with the label is “Wildfire / Full of Grace“.

If you’re a fan of “All Hail The Dead” era Walls Of Jericho then you’re going to fall in love with Cross Check within moments of meeting them. The urgency of the staccato riff breaks that flow through the veins of “Wildfire” make the track an instant head rush, the caustic vocals from Hannah Castelli a rude awakening as the quintet unleash hell with wave after tsunami wave of pulverising rhythms. A whispered moment sends a chill down the spine without causing any of the energy to be lost and so the result is an absolute pile driver of a tune you’re going to want to witness live. The same can be said of “Full of Grace” which is laced with an earworm main riff, the twin axe attack of David Farmer and Josh Gould decimating the weak with style and grace. It has to be said that the thunderous drums from Christian Zipp are seriously impressive with the odd nuance bursting out of the mix like the something from John Hurt’s chest in 1979’s Alien. There is another insanity inducing melodic break, this time for a fleeting spoken word that feels unhinged before the crushing ending and this time it’s oh so real. A masterclass in Metallic Hardcore, this one should take Cross Check from coast to coast [8/10]

Track Listing