Crime – Cold Air

Crime
Cold Air
Label: Metalapolis Records / SPV
Out: September 26^th, 2025
Playing time: 01:04:32

Twenty-seven years passed between the second album (‘No Cure’, 1995) and the third album (‘Master Of Illusion’, 2022) by the Swabian band Crime.

Five guys from near Geislingen/Steige set out in 1993 to save the world of rock … ok, not quite. But at least to deliver a rousing Hard Rock CD for eternity.

This can be read on the band’s website. Two albums were released between 1993 and 1995. Then the trail disappears. It was not until 2019 that we heard from the band again, albeit with sad news – original singer Stavrosc ‘Staffi’ Moutzoglou passed away that year. This is followed by another time jump to the year 2022. As already mentioned, ‘Master Of Illusion’ was released. And now, just three years later, the follow-up ‘Cold Air’ is on its way.

Actually, ‘Interlude’ should better be called ‘Intro’. Because that’s all it is – an introduction, or a little overture. At least there is a recognisable melody and song structure. So, it’s much better than many other intros. With a slight build-up, it leads over to the first song ‘Break Down The Walls’. In addition to the riffs, a Hammond can also be heard here. But the best thing is Francis Soto’s vocals. Not to be confused with Jeff Scott Soto, but similarly excellent. Guitarist Matze Ehrhardt can shine for the first time with a solo. And many more will follow. After the strong opening, the Metal anthem ‘For King And Country’ follows on its heels. The power ballad “Like The Wind Blows” starts with epic choruses and the sounds of keyboards. Later, heavy guitars and booming drums kick in. Another huge guitar solo follows towards the end. At the beginning of the title track ‘Cold Air’, you first hear industrial sounds. But fortunately, not for a long time, as the tempo soon picks up and riffs accompany the singer. You shouldn’t be put off by the short introduction of keyboards in ‘Back On The Streets’. The riffs soon burrow their way into the ears. The catchy refrain is almost earworm-like. And the next Metal anthem follows with ‘Dry Those Tears’. ‘Your Chance To Live Is Now’ is another ballad characterised by beautiful guitar melodies. ‘Unchain My Soul’ is heavier but mostly played only slightly faster. ‘Show Me The Way’ is introduced by strings and guitars, rhythmic drums are added. Once again, a Hammond provides a retro feel without overdoing it. There is also another sing-along refrain. The melodic introduction of “Cry Of The Wild” is followed by another stomping anthem. So it’s not as wild as the song title might suggest. After a ballad-like introduction, ‘No Love Inside You’ moves somewhere between ballad, mid-tempo stomper and anthem. But then things get wilder with ‘Rock And Roll Shower’. There are no speed records, but the Rock’n’Roll is certainly played faster. The bouncer ‘Falling Down’ is another ballad with a strong anthemic flavour. Francis Soto’s vocals are accompanied by electric piano and powerful drumming. Later, keyboards and clean guitars add some accents.

On ‘Cold Air’ there is a balanced mixture of quiet and harder songs. The vocals are outstanding, and the band ensures that singer Francis Soto always has the right musical accompaniment. Every single song, with the possible exception of ‘Interlude’, has hit potential and would suit any rock radio station. I would like to hear more from Crime in the future.

Crime – Cold Air: https://youtu.be/tAdNGGkbRjI?si=nUsMTNqqVda5HjGi

Lineup:

Francis Soto – Vocals
Matze Ehrhardt – Guitar
Gunter Kierstein – Keyboards
Andy Kemmer – Bass (at the Album)
Achim Aubele – Bass
Alex P. Meli – Drums

Track list:

• Interlude
• Break Down The Walls
• For King And Country
• Like The Wind Blows
• Cold Air
• Back On The Streets
• Dry Those Tears
• Your Chance To Live Is Now
• Unchain My Soul
• Show Me The Way
• Cry Of The Wild
• No Love Inside You
• Rock And Roll Shower
• Falling Down