SICKSENSE – Cross Me Twice
Review by: Georgina Strilakos
Revew Score: 9
It is a rare and exceptional occurrence for a debut album to generate such a palpable level of anticipation, but the excitement surrounding Cross Me Twice from Sicksense is undeniably remarkable. With their first full-length release, the band has crafted a powerful and compelling album that masterfully fuses their nü-metal roots with an eclectic mix of metalcore, progressive metal, and power metal influences. The result is a modern, experimental sound that is not only vibrant and refreshingly innovative but also deeply entrenched in the genre’s foundational elements.
Cross Me Twice delivers everything that a dedicated nü-metal fan could possibly desire, while simultaneously infusing the genre with a renewed energy that pushes its traditional boundaries. This album represents a bold leap forward, offering both homage to its influences and a fresh vision for the future. Now, let’s delve into the tracks and explore the depth of this great debut.
1. Sellout
The album kicks off with “Sellout,” a track that immediately establishes Sicksense’s distinctive sound. From the start, powerful guitar riffs grab attention, creating a gritty yet contemporary atmosphere. Vicky Psarakis delivers an impressive vocal performance, balancing clean singing with intense, aggressive screams. Lyrically, “Sellout” tackles the struggle of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures, an especially poignant theme in today’s world of commercialism and social scrutiny. The anthemic chorus is unforgettable, making it a perfect opener.
2. Wildfires
“Wildfires” embraces a rich, atmospheric sound. The track opens with a haunting melody that transitions into intricate, heavy riffs, building momentum as it progresses. Psarakis’ vocals bring emotional depth, perfectly capturing the chaos and unpredictability of a wildfire, serving as a metaphor for personal and emotional turmoil. The contrast between delicate verses and explosive choruses mirrors the internal conflict many face—highlighting the balance between destruction and potential growth. I love the rapping on this song too.
3. Throwback
“Throwback” takes listeners back to the early days of nu-metal with its rhythmic, almost rapped vocal style from Robby J. Fonts, paired with tight, punchy riffs. This energetic track channels the vibe of iconic bands like Limp Bizkit and Korn, combining nostalgia with modern flair. The song’s vibrant energy and playful tone make it an instant hit, offering both a tribute to the genre and a refreshing twist on it.
4. Fever Dream
“Fever Dream” is one of the album’s most experimental tracks. It starts with a dreamy, atmospheric intro before shifting into jagged, distorted rhythms. The eerie blend of synths and powerful guitars create an unsettling, surreal quality. Psarakis navigates the song’s shifting dynamics with both vulnerability and strength. This track fuses progressive metal with industrial elements, standing out as one of the album’s more unique moments. Vicky’s vocals are dreamy and ethereal.
5. Invisible
“Invisible” delves into feelings of alienation and being overlooked. The track opens with a slow-burning intro, leading to intense, rhythmically driven verses. Psarakis’ raw delivery conveys the frustration of being ignored or misunderstood. The contrast between clean and screamed vocals intensifies the feeling of invisibility, while the soaring chorus provides a cathartic release, transforming the song’s anger into a sense of empowerment. This song has a great flow along with its transitions.
6. On Repeat
“On Repeat” is a brisk, dynamic track featuring engaging riffs and a well-coordinated rhythm section. One of my favorite tracks on the album. Vicky is such a talented and versatile vocalist. The song explores the cyclical nature of destructive patterns, whether in relationships or thought processes. Its fast tempo mirrors the feeling of being trapped in an unbreakable loop, and the recurring chorus emphasizes the theme of yearning for liberation. With its lively energy, this track stands out as one of the album’s highlights. I love this song!
7. Masquerade Parade
In “Masquerade Parade,” the band once again ventures into experimental territory. The song opens with electronic rhythms and atmospheric guitar sounds, evoking a very dystopian atmosphere. The lyrics explore the theme of duality, depicting how individuals wear masks to hide their true selves. Psarakis’ vocals range from ethereal and haunting to forceful and commanding, perfectly capturing the tension between personal personas and vulnerabilities. The industrial elements and incisive rhythms give the song a sharp, contemporary edge. Straight up Guttural jam. Enjoy!
8. In This Carousel
“In This Carousel” is a reflective piece on mental health. The song features a moderate tempo and rising and falling guitars throughout the verses. The lyrics highlight the challenges of being stuck in a continuous cycle of emotional and psychological distress. The carousel metaphor is used to convey the monotony of this state. Round and Round. While melancholic, the song offers empowerment, building to a cathartic conclusion that resonates emotionally.
9. Here Come All the Memories
“Here come All The Memories” is a track adopts a more somber, introspective tone, providing a break from the album’s more intense moments. The slower tempo and melodic structure emphasize themes of nostalgia and the emotional weight of past experiences. Psarakis’ vocal performance is particularly striking, expressing the vulnerability inherent in the lyrics. The chorus’ emotional depth makes it one of the most moving moments on Cross Me Twice.
10. Follow Me
The album concludes with “Follow Me,” an anthemic track that inspires a sense of resolution. The soaring guitar melodies and fast-paced, groove-driven verses create an uplifting tone. The lyrics focus on self-empowerment and resilience, encouraging listeners to break free from external constraints and forge their own paths. This powerful conclusion in this song fosters a sense of catharsis, leaving the listener with renewed strength and potential.
Cross Me Twice is a groundbreaking debut from Sicksense, blending aggression with melody, complexity with accessibility, and vulnerability with strength. The album shows a wide range of influences, including nu-metal, metalcore, industrial, and progressive sounds. Vicky Psarakis and Robby J. Fonts both shine individually and as a duo, while the diverse soundscape ensures that listeners remain captivated throughout. Many of the tracks evoke a sense of catharsis, making them sure to resonate with fans of all kinds.
This exceptional debut is just the beginning, and I have no doubt it will pave the way for many more exciting releases from Sicksense. Give it a spin! Thank me later. 😉
Genre: Nu Metal
Label: Earache Records
Date of Release: 28 March
Links: https://sickxsense.bandcamp.com/linktr.ee/sickXsense
Line Up:
Vocals: Vicky Psarakis
Vocals: Robby J. Fonts
Guitar: Phil Lykostratis
Drums: Joe Polizzi
Bass: Rich Regier