Crosson: Invincible (Metalapolis)

Australian “theatrical glam melodic rock” band Crosson has a major thing for the glory days of the 1980s Sunset Strip sound, and is going all-out to bring that kind of larger than life rock n’ roll back around again. Now, this kind of retro-minded rock isn’t necessarily a new development. Bands all around the world have made the melodic rock scene exciting again, and even in Australia bands like White Widdow and The Radio Sun have embraced the classic melodic rock sounds), but you have to give Crosson credit for embracing the image and theatricality of that era as well as the sound.

Speaking of the sound, Crosson’s latest album (their second overall) is titled Invincible. It was produced by Duane Baron (Ozzy, Motley Crue, Alice Cooper) and mastered by Dave Donnelly (Aerosmith, KISS, Whitesnake), and seems written for arena stages. Invincible feels like a big, sleazy rock opera. Late ’80s Alice Cooper meets KISS meets Lordi meets Steel Panther (minus that band’s lyrical content). Album opener “Rock Warriors” name-checks just about every key ’80s rock album, and is a fun tribute anthem. “Never Give Up” and the title track keep that anthemic energy going. The ballad “Unconditional Love” is the album’s most Meat Loaf moment, but it fits the over the top tone of the album. Invincible has some very infectious melodies and easy to sing along choruses. The vocal style is a bit more gothic in tone (dude could probably rock some HIM covers), but it fits the songwriting.

This one checks all the right boxes: it’s fun, it’s catchy, it rocks, and it’s never boring. Fans of the classic “hair metal” era, especially Alice Cooper and Twisted Sister, ought to love Crosson’s sound, and Invincible has the songs to appeal to fans of the newer wave of bands like Crazy Lixx, the Dead Daisies and Kissin’ Dynamite. There’s definitely that Lordi and Steel Panther vibe as well, though Crosson’s “gimmick” is less a part of their sound than those bands. If you’re looking for a fun rock n’ roll fix, this will get the job done nicely.