Looking for a new Crucified album or ep? The Blamed have released a 4-song ep of Crucified covers bringing in an all star group of guests to make sure they do all the songs justice. Classic hardcore/thrash for those who have been missing it..!
In large part, the Crucified need no introduction, but to those who don’t know they were thrash/hardcore pioneers of the Christian music scene and widely revered regardless of beliefs. Personally, I was never a fan but did go see their reunion show at Cornerstone in 2009, so I count myself lucky in the sense of being able to see them even if it was 10 years or so since their breakup. Before breaking up in 1993, the band released two full lengths, The Crucified in 1989 and Pillars of Humanity in 1991. Since then, there have been various other releases and box sets and the band which included Jim Chaffin and Greg Minier who played on this ep, also included Mark Saloman and Jeff Bellew who went on to be in Stavesacre. This ep was a complete collaboration with contributions from California, to Illinois, to Nashville, to Arkansas and Oregon. In large part the recording and mixing were done by the Blamed and friends at Valhalla Studios in Fresno, CA, with some lead and gang vocals and bass and guitar parts done at the other locations. Notable contributors outside of the band include Bruce Fitzhugh and Rocky Gray (Living Sacrifice), Greg Minier (Crucified, Applehead), and Lance Garvin (Living Sacrifice).
“Pillars of Humanity” opens up the ep with one of the best opening riffs out there, one of those that every hardcore song needs, slowly building tension before the going into a full thrash, speed riff. Jim Chaffin’s drums will be great throughout the ep as his work always is but here you can almost hear the added emotion of playing favorite songs from the past in his playing. Vocals are rough and ragged and at times seem to struggle to keep pace with the music as one would hope. Add in some great bass lines from Sid Duffour and great tempo changes and you this is one great track.
“Thread” is more straight ahead thrash, paced by Chaffin’s relentless drumming. Some slightly slower groove parts and guitar solos add in a bit of different feel to this track compared to “Pillars of Humanity”. “Conviction” goes in an entirely different direction with its hardcore punk feel from guitars to vocal delivery and reminds me a lot of another Bryan Gray project, Left Out. Different feel but still a solid song for the ep.
“Mindbender” brings a heavy groove driven by a fast riff and vocals that are more shouted in staccato-like manner compared to the other songs, backed by a chunky guitar riff.
There is a lot to like on What If and not just by Crucified fans although they will certainly like this. Nostalgia certainly comes into play when the Crucified are discussed, but for this reviewer who is not a fan, this is a solid ep worth a listen for anyone into thrash and hardcore.
Written by John Jackson
Rating: 8/10
Tracklist
- Pillars of Humanity (feat. Bruce Fitzhugh)
- Thread ( feat. Rocky Gray)
- Conviction (feat. Greg Minier)
- Mindbender (feat. Greg Minier and Rocky Gray)
Band Members
Jim Chaffin – Drums
Bryan Gray – guitar
Sid Duffour – bass, vocals
Jeff Locke – vocals, guitar
Release Date: 7 August 2026
Record Label: Thumper Punk Records
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlamed/
Bandcamp: https://thumperpunkrecords.bandcamp.com/album/what-if