Crossed – Barely Buried Love

If you’re already familiar with Crossed, you know exactly what you’re in for. If not, prepare yourself for absolutely bone-shattering hardcore from Madrid. Featuring members of other notable Spanish acts like Boneflower, Descubriendo a Mr. Mime, and Eros + Massacre, Crossed brings a relentless aural experience that sets them apart in the European hardcore scene.

Their latest album, Barely Buried Love, was purposefully released on Valentine’s Day this year, but don’t let the timing fool you—this is no sugarcoated love song collection. The 13-track album tackles the theme of love in a way that’s rough, visceral, and anything but sentimental. With technical precision and unrelenting aggression, Crossed obliterates any notion of conventional hardcore, creating a record that’s as devastating as it is intricate.

Barely Buried Love is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Crossed effortlessly marries elements of metallic hardcore with screamo’s epic twists and turns. Think Converge-style metallic shredding combined with the unpredictable intensity of Majority Rule, then layered with the dark, sludgy vibes ala His Hero Is Gone. Add in some blistering blast beats and chainsaw riffs at a frenzied pace, and you’ve got a record that’s equal parts ferocity and artistry.

But it’s not all sheer aggression. Crossed also have a knack for atmosphere, weaving moments of eerie calm into the storm of their sound. Their songwriting reflects a deep understanding of hardcore’s history and possibilities, pushing boundaries while staying grounded in intensity.

Barely Buried Love is an all-consuming record, skillfully crafted and executed to a high standard. It’s fierce, unrelenting, and one of the best European hardcore/screamo releases of the year. If you’re looking for a record that combines technical prowess with emotional depth, Crossed has delivered exactly that. Highly recommended.