Review STORACE “Crossfire”

Sometimes it’s the simple things that bring happiness and delight. “Crossfire”, the latest album from Marc Storace, is a great example of this. A good riff, a pounding rhythm section and excellent vocals – you don’t need much more to make a great rock song shine.

Storace is known for being the voice of the Swiss hard rock pioneers Krokus he joined in 1979 being a part of a band that released timeless rock records with “Metal Rendez-Vous” and “Headhunter”. Less known is that the singer was also part of a progressive Krautrock band called Tea, which was very popular in Europe in the 70s.

It was in 2021 that Marc Storace began to work on his solo career and released his first solo effort with “Live and Let Live”. “Crossfire” follows this autumn and is the second studio album by the singer with the iconic rock’n’roll voice. With the help of Tommy Henriksen (Alice Cooper), who also produced the album, and Pat Aeby (Krokus, Gotus), the singer wrote and recorded eleven songs and an interlude.

“Crossfire” is an album that entertains and creates a great atmosphere from start to finish. “Screaming Demon” is a perfect hard rock anthem that kicks off the second longplayer. The song immediately delivers its embedded catchiness and some headbanging is a must.

“The New Unity” is the mentioned interlude that leads you to “Rock This City”. Of course, the sound of “Crossfire” shows some parallels to Krokus, yet it feels like an album with its own identity. The moderately paced “Rock This City” is a song that reflects this in a good way. The pounding rocker is a well-crafted song that is impressive.

Bands like AC/DC also influenced Storace and “Love Thing Stealer” shows more than one cross-reference. For one, Storace’s raspy voice and the pumping beat have some Australian roots.

The singer stays true to his passion and his sound. He doesn’t deviate too much from the standard principles and still manages to create an entertaining experience for the listener. It’s fun and joy of life that speaks through each of these rock anthems. “We All Need the Money,” the groove of “Millionaire Blues,” and the dark “Sirens” are all songs that show great craftsmanship, and if you missed the ballad, here it is. “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” is the piano-driven tearjerker that heralds the end of “Crossfire”.

Storace’s second studio album is a well-crafted longplayer that spreads happiness and joy. “Crossfire” shows a dedicated musician following his musical heart which is beating strong. It’s the flame of rock’n’roll that can be felt in every song, and while the album may not offer a musical revolution, it’s the passion and dedication that make “Crossfire” a thunderous hard rock album that requires turning up the volume.