The undisputed kings of Swedish Sleaze, Crazy Lixx, are back with a vengeance with their latest opus “Street Lethal.” The album, released on November 5th is nothing short of a melodic metal masterpiece that immediately ends any and all hard rock album of the year discussion.
“Street Lethal” is the much-anticipated follow up to Crazy Lixx’s 2019 80’s metal inspired gem “Forever Wild,” an album so transcendent, I referred to it as the hard rock album of the decade. To my surprise, “Street Lethal” has proven to be a more than worthy follow-up and, in many ways, surpasses the brilliance of their previous effort.
When it comes to Crazy Lixx’s inspired output over the past five years, it’s become clear that each album has its own theme or tone. “Forever Wild” was drenched in Summer vibes while its predecessor “Ruff Justice” was a classic “driving around at night” album.
“Every album is a step forward hopefully. Vocalist Danny Rexon stated in a 2020 interview with On the Road to Rock. We’re still in that kind of momentum where we try to make every album better than the last one.”
If I had to peg a theme for “Street Lethal,” look no further than the over-the-top nature of 80’s/early 90’s action flicks like “Kickboxer” or “Bloodsport.” Take a song like “Rise Above” which a picture-perfect tune that could accompany any Van Damme flick and is a true album standout.
The album’s true jewel is the fist-pumping “Anthem for America,” a plea to Americans to rise up out of years of rock n’ roll lethargy. The impeccable production on these songs, complete with wonderfully crafted guitar harmonies from Jens Lundgren and Chrisse Olsson makes this album sound like it could have been produced by Mutt Lange himself.
While songs like “Reach Out,” “Street Lethal,” and “The Power” fall perfectly in line with the album’s combat theme, “Thief in the Night” stands out as a darker, heavier song more akin to Iron Maiden than Danger Danger.
Twitter reacts to new Crazy Lixx album “Street Lethal”
It’s been a roller coaster ride for Crazy Lixx, a band that has incurred several lineup changes since forming in 2007. For a band that seemed to perhaps be on its last leg back in 2014, a new, killer lineup and now three straight albums of unforgettable material ensure us that these Swedish hard rock heavyweights will continue to wave the 80s rock flag for the rest of the world for years to come.
01. Enter The Dojo
02. Rise Above
03. Anthem For America
04. The Power
05. Reach Out
06. Final Fury
07. Street Lethal
08. Caught Between The Rock N’ Roll
09. In The Middle Of Nothing
10. One Fire — One Goal
11. Thief In The Night
Overall Rating: 9.5/10
