Crucifer
Country: USA
Genre: Death Metal
Founded: 1990
Crucifer is a death metal band originating from Fredericksburg Virginia. The 3 piece band formed in 1990 by members Stevie Snyder-bass, Brian Ronquest-guitar and Jeff Riddle-vocals and drums. The bands lineup remains the same today. Crucifers debut live performance was the opening slot for Believer at Street Cry, located in Fredericksburg VA on February 9th, 1991. Their show was incredibly well received and started Crucifers lifelong following in their hometown.
That same year Crucifer would find themselves in the studio recording what would become their ‘Beyond The Realms’ 3 song cassette demo. It was this raw recording and tape trading that gained the interest of Wild Rags Records from California. ‘Beyond The Realms’ would ultimately be licensed and distributed by Wild Rags Records. The demo quickly sold out and fetches a high price by collectors today. After the buzz created by the demo, Crucifer would write and record what would become their first official full length studio release.
Crucifer releases their first full length album of new material in 30 years entitled ‘Hell Is For The Hopeful’. Vinyl is available now in 3 color variants: Envy Green, Dropsy Blue, and Post Mortem Purple. Vinyl comes with full color lyric insert, posters, and decals. CD is available now with full sized jewel case,16 page full color lyric and art filled booklet, posters, and decals. The album was released digitally on 1.12.24. Each of the 12 songs has it’s own lyric and art filled video created by Art Dystopia, available on YouTube and other video streaming sites. Crucifers vocalist and drummer Jeff Riddle provides insight into the making of the new album.
There was nothing easy or even enjoyable about the making of ‘Hell Is For The Hopeful’. From the very beginning it seemed to be cursed to never be finished. It’s been written, re-written, re-recorded, and shelved countless times over many years. The album is written from personal life experiences and the lyrics are dark. Filled with anxiety and depression, highs from huge life successes as well as the ultra-dark lows of failure.
Is it possible that Hell is here on earth? Ever visited a children’s hospital full of cancer patients? An asylum for the mentally insane? Perhaps the loss of a child. Maybe you’ve lost somebody to suicide or you’ve even considered it. Have you watched the news lately and seen what’s going on around the world? Hell is all around us everyday, just waiting to enter at our darkest moment. Everyone will experience it at some point. Sometimes far too early in life, and sometimes the pain is unbearable. As you read this, you ultimately fall into one of two categories.
One who has yet to experience Hell, or one that already is/has. There are no get out of Hell free cards. Rich or poor, the experience of Hell and ultimately your death will extend you no favors. Hugely successful, or underachieved, matters none. Hell has either already found you, or it’s lurking around the corner. The highly successful, powerful, and wealthy fear it the most. They can feel it breathing down the backs of their necks daily because they have much to lose.
The title for the new album ‘Hell Is For The Hopeful’ will resonate with the suffering and unwell. Because the suffering don’t fear a physical hell. They’re already fully engulfed in hell and all it’s pain. The ones who have yet to suffer, believe they can avoid this hell by good behavior, hope, faith, and prayer. At best you may be rewarded with a heavenly, peace filled life after death. But you will not escape the hell this earthly word has in store for you. However, If you have experienced, or are currently experiencing hell in your life, fear not. Blessed are the suffering! Your peace will come. For the hopeful…hell patiently waits for you.
Members of the band:
Jeff Riddle Vocals/Drums
Brian Ronquest Guitars
Stevie Snyder Bass
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crucifertheband
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@crucifer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crucifertheband
Bandcamp: https://crucifertheband.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uIm5xyD4HzL2HSjL4UrcU