Crazy Lixx is a Swedish hard rock band from Malmö, formed in 2002 and renowned for their electrifying performances and infectious anthems. As pioneers of the New Wave of Swedish Sleaze Metal, the band revives the glam metal sound of the late '80s, drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N’ Roses. With new album ‘Thrill of a Bite' they've produced as an album as good as their iconic ‘New Religion' album and one that could measure up to anything White Lion, Dokken, Cinderella and AOR icons like Icon produced back in the 80s re-establishing them as leading lights and stand-out torch bearers of that classic Hard Rock / AOR sound alongside bands like H.E.A.T.
The album is out February 14th and you can and should pre-order it here.
Their discography, featuring standout albums such as Loud Minority (2007), New Religion (2010), and Crazy Lixx (2014), includes fan-favourites like ‘Blame It On Love,' '21 ‘Til I Die' and ‘Girls of the 80s.' Fronted by founder and vocalist Danny Rexon, the band also boasts the talents of bassist Jens Anderson, guitarists Jens Lundgren and Chrisse Olsson, and drummer Robin Nilsson, delivering a high-octane mix of melodic hard rock infused with nostalgic yet modern production. With a revolving door of players and band members over the years the cohesiveness and success of Crazy Lixx is testament to the drive, desire and talents of lead singer Danny Rexon and he's come out slugging on this new album.
‘Thrill of the Bite' is a full-throttle homage to the glitz, grit, and glam of 1980s hard rock. Bursting with energy, this record masterfully channels the spirit of bands like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, and Whitesnake while injecting the band’s signature modern flair. With soaring choruses, scorching guitar solos, and a relentless pace, the album is an exhilarating ride through a world of fast cars, late nights, and rebellious anthems.
The album kicks off with ‘Highway Hurricane,' a high-octane rocker powered by an Kix meets AC/DC-style riff, classic cowbell, and Danny Rexon’s commanding vocals. “Can you feel the heat?” Rexon asks, as the song’s roaring guitars and infectious energy propel listeners into a twilight city of speed and adrenaline. A blistering guitar solo seals the deal, making this track an obvious contender for future setlist staples. It’s a thrilling opener that sets the tone for the rest of the album.
“Who Said Rock n Roll is Dead” follows, delivering a defiant message to critics of the genre. Rexon’s opening Axl Rose-esque growl is matched by the band’s tight instrumentation as they declare, “We’re at our best when our backs are against the wall.” This anthem of inclusivity and perseverance echoes the spirit of Crazy Lixx classics like ‘Sound of the Loud Minority' while building toward an anthemic chorus that’s impossible not to sing along to. The raw energy and defiance make it a standout moment on the record. That defiant, inclusive message is also echoed on tracks like ‘Midnight Rebels' and ‘Recipe for Revolution.' Both songs are awash in messages of inclusivity, of strength in numbers and ‘standing strong when your back is against the world.' It's a classic 80s trope – the rock fan standing proud and tall against the excesses of ‘the man' and corporate America and in Rexon's hands those classic sounds, the riffs, the drums and the messages are in very safe hands.
Tracks like ‘Call of the Wild' and ‘Run Run Wild' embrace the band’s knack for raucous, chest-thumping party anthems. With pounding drums, blazing guitars, and lyrics like “Unleash the animal” and “We’re gonna live forever,” these songs radiate a carefree, live-fast-die-young attitude. The comparisons to Mötley Crüe’s ‘Kickstart My Heart' and Dokken's classic riffs are undeniable, but Crazy Lixx infuse these tracks with enough of their own swagger to keep them fresh and exciting.
The album’s mood shifts slightly with ‘Hunt for Danger,' a darker, mid-tempo track that recalls the moody atmospherics of Danger Danger and Def Leppard’s ‘Too Late For Love.' With Rexon singing about “giving it all just to feel alive,” the song adds depth to the album, standing out as a moment of reflection amidst the high-octane chaos. The AOR-inspired melodies and smooth harmonies offer a refreshing change of pace, demonstrating the band’s versatility without straying too far from their roots.
Closing the album in explosive style we get ‘Final Warning' and ‘Stick It Out.' The former provides more huge riffing in classic Whitesnake 1987 style which is poignant given the architect of those original riffs, John Sykes, died this week. The song barrels along in classic 80s style as Rexon sings about a someone looking for one more high, irrespective of who they hurt, wasting their life away. ‘Stick it Out,' meanwhile, is packed with massive riffs, gang vocals, and an elongated chorus reminiscent of the band’s earlier hit, ‘Blame It On Love.' It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that leaves no room for ballads or filler. Crazy Lixx throw everything into this closer, making it an unforgettable crescendo that encapsulates the album’s relentless energy and infectious spirit.
In ‘Thrill of the Bite' Crazy Lixx delivers a near-perfect recreation of the 1980s hard rock sound while managing to keep it fresh, vibrant, and relevant. With no ballads in sight, the album is a relentless celebration of the genre’s excesses, executed with precision and passion. If this record had been released in 1988, it would have propelled Crazy Lixx to global stardom. Instead, it solidifies their position as modern torchbearers of glam metal, proving that the genre is alive, well, and as thrilling as ever in these safe hands.
Tracklist: 1. Highway Hurricane 2. Who Said Rock ‘n' Roll is Dead 3. Little Miss Dangerous 4. Call of the Wild 5. Recipe for Revolution 6. Run Run Wild 7. Midnight Rebels 8. Hunt for Danger 9. Final Warning 10. Stick it Out Release Date: February 14th Record Label: Frontiers Buy ‘Thrill of the Bite' right here.
This article contains an affiliate link. Purchases through this link may result in us earning a commission.
