Sicksense – Cross Me Twice: A Ferocious Debut That Redefines Modern Nü-Metal

Review By Ian Walker

Some albums explode into existence, demanding attention from the first note. Sicksense’s debut album, Cross Me Twice, released on 28th March 2025 via Earache Records, is one of those records—a genre-blending, boundary-pushing juggernaut that breathes new life into the nü-metal resurgence. With feral energy, progressive experimentation, and haunting melodies, this album cements Sicksense as a major force in modern metal, blending the rawness of Slipknot with the theatricality of Evanescence and the groove-laden swagger of Limp Bizkit.

After building a rabid following through their two EPs, Kings Today and Fools Tomorrow, Sicksense have now fully unleashed their creative fury. With massive riffs, dual-vocal intensity, and genre-fluid compositions, Cross Me Twice is both a love letter to nü-metal’s golden age and a bold stride into its future.

A Monstrous Opening with No Holds Barred

The album kicks off with “Sellout”, a venomous, riff-heavy assault that makes its intentions clear. The track bursts with unrelenting grooves and throat-shredding vocals, delivering a caustic critique of industry fakery and false idols. Rob The Ripper’s guttural growls clash violently with Killer V’s melodic hooks, creating a ferocious call-and-response dynamic. The crunching guitars from John Smith and Agent Phil, paired with Smokin’ J’s machine-gun drumming, make this an instant pit-starter.

Next comes “Wildfires”, a perfect showcase of Sicksense’s range. It opens with a moody, atmospheric intro, led by The Gothfather’s rumbling bass, before erupting into a firestorm of heavy riffs and soaring vocals. Killer V’s voice drips with both vulnerability and ferocity, delivering a standout chorus that’s destined to be screamed by fans at live shows. The contrast between guttural aggression and melodic grandeur is executed masterfully, giving the track both emotional weight and mosh-pit energy.

Genre-Bending Brilliance with Raw Emotion

“Throwback” lives up to its name, bringing a nostalgic nü-metal vibe with groovy, bouncy riffs and a vocal delivery reminiscent of early Linkin Park. The infectious hooks and sharp, staccato verses make it impossible not to move, while the lyrics wrestle with the haunting grip of memories and regret.

“Fever Dream” slows things down slightly, introducing glacial, atmospheric keys and haunting clean vocals before plunging into djent-heavy breakdowns. The contrast between ethereal melodies and chugging riffs creates a hypnotic, disorienting soundscape, capturing the dreamlike paranoia the title suggests. It’s both hauntingly beautiful and bone-crushingly heavy—a testament to the band’s masterful dynamic control.

Melody and Aggression in Perfect Harmony

The album’s midpoint, “Invisible”, offers a brutally personal moment, with Killer V’s vocals dripping in raw vulnerability. The melodic verses are haunting and fragile, building into a towering chorus where Rob The Ripper’s visceral screams cut through with devastating emotional intensity. The contrast between the delicate and the destructive makes it one of the most powerful tracks on the record.

“On Repeat” flips the switch back to full-blown aggression, with machine-gun riffs and frantic drumming driving the song forward. The rhythm section is ferocious, creating a relentless wall of sound that refuses to let up. The dual-vocal attack is at its most savage here, making this track an undeniable highlight for fans of heavier, thrash-infused metal.

Anthemic Choruses and Progressive Experimentation

“Masquerade Parade” is a stadium-ready metal anthem, delivering massive hooks and a commanding vocal performance from Killer V. The shimmering keys and atmospheric guitars add a dreamlike quality, while the crushing breakdowns snap the listener back into a chaotic reality. The juxtaposition of ethereal beauty and sheer heaviness makes this track feel cinematic and larger than life.

“In This Carousel” takes a more progressive turn, blending melancholic melodies with haunting harmonies. The layered instrumentation and ethereal backing vocals create an immersive, dreamlike atmosphere. The song’s slow build to a crushing crescendo is both cathartic and haunting, making it one of the album’s most emotionally impactful moments.

A Climactic and Poignant Finish

As the album nears its end, “Here Come All The Memories” hits with melancholic force, blending delicate acoustic passages with soaring vocals and intricate guitar work. The lyrics grapple with loss, nostalgia, and emotional reckoning, making it one of the most introspective tracks on the record.

Finally, “Follow Me” brings Cross Me Twice to a thunderous close, leaving a searing impression. With pummeling riffs, pained screams, and a haunting chorus, the song captures the raw emotional power of the album. The melodic outro feels like a slow fade into darkness, perfectly concluding a visceral and haunting journey.

Verdict: A Defiant, Genre-Bending Masterpiece

With Cross Me Twice, Sicksense have crafted a debut album that doesn’t just fit into the nü-metal resurgence—it redefines it. Their fearless fusion of aggression, melody, and atmospheric experimentation makes this a thrilling, unpredictable ride. The dual-vocal dynamic, the progressive flourishes, and the unflinching vulnerability give the album a depth and complexity that sets it apart from its peers.

For fans of Papa Roach, Evanescence, and Linkin Park, this is essential listening, but Cross Me Twice offers more than just nostalgia—it ushers in a new era for modern metal, one brimming with emotion, creativity, and ferocity.

Sicksense have arrived with a vengeance, and if Cross Me Twice is any indication, they’re here to stay.

Tracklist:

1. Sellout
2. Wildfires
3. Throwback
4. Fever Dream
5. Invisible
6. On Repeat
7. Masquerade Parade
8. In This Carousel
9. Here Come All The Memories
10. Follow Me