Band: Cross Check
From: Montreal, Québec
Their formation story:
(Hannah Castelli, vocals): "The band started out in 2022 by (drummer) Giuliano Miele who had just ended a deathcore project and wanted to keep making music. The group quickly pieced together when he found both [guitarist] Josh Gould and [bassist] Zach Mallette after scouting at shows and looking through musician postings on Facebook.
"I joined the band last, after being spotted grabbing the mic at a local hardcore show. For most of us, this is our first serious project, and I think that newness and excitement translated when we started playing shows, welcomed with hearty moshing from the Montreal hardcore scene."
Their sound in their own words:
"Twisting together influences and ideas ranging from the complex riffage of 2000s metalcore, rhythms of American groove metal, and Montreal stage diving/moshing hardcore intensities, we have attempted to create our own unique take on metallic hardcore. Our musical influences span across genres: Lamb Of God, Opeth, Trapped Under Ice, Death from Above 1979, and La Dispute."
Latest release info:
"This collection of tracks represents our endeavour to hone in on a unique sound and voice. We aimed to blend metallic hardcore you can dance to with honest lyricism — we wanted listeners to have the ability to embody their trauma, but also to be able to release it with a groove. The EP, if you’re not afraid then why are you shaking, opens with leech, filled with relatable lyrical sentiments and a splash of nu-metal influence.
"The second track, 'house of grief,' opens with a haunting intro, fast-riffing guitars, and a rhythmic vocal styling akin to Every Time I Die’s Keith Buckley. Beginning with a groovy drum and bass section, shroud then unleashes an onslaught of heavy riffing and visceral screams. Closing out the four-track EP with an immediate attack of heaviness, underbelly travels through bouncy rhythms to a pummelling breakdown, supported by its cathartic lyricism.
Future plans:
"In the coming months, we will be playing shows across Quebec and Ontario, starting off with our hometown EP release show coming up on April 11th at the NDG Legion. We will be playing Montreal’s Pouzza Fest on May 17th. Ongoing aspirations include making it out to the US and focusing on writing more material."
What other bands from your region should we check out?
"Our friends in Typeface from Montreal are definitely folks to watch out for. Cesspool, Bruiserweight and heavenscoldhands from Montreal, Fight on Sight and Bad Bet from Ontario — all great to listen and dance to."
Cross Check on social media: Instagram
