Species (EP) explained

Species
Type:EP
Artist:Crossfaith
Cover:Crossfaith Species - EP.jpg
Length:17:30
Label:UNFD
Prev Title:Ex Machina
Prev Year:2018
Next Title:Ark
Next Year:2024

Species is the fifth EP by Japanese metalcore band Crossfaith. It was released on 20 May 2020 in Japan, and later released on 22 May 2020 worldwide.[1] [2]

Background and promotion

Crossfaith debuted their first single "Endorphin" exclusively on Daniel P. Carter's BBC Radio 1 Rock Show, the day before the release of the single worldwide.[3] However, the EP wasn't announced until the release of the second single "Digital Parasite" on 9 April 2020.[4]

In an interview with Rock Sound, the frontman, Kenta Koie would explain that Species would alter the course of the band for "at the very least for the next 10 years".[4] He would further go on to explain about the departure in sound from Ex Machina to Species:

Critical reception

The EP received mostly positive reviews, but also mixed reviews from several critics. Carlos Zelaya from Dead Press! rated the EP positively calling it: "Wasting no time and still managing to spring surprises with their multi-dimensional sound, Crossfaith continue to impress with Species." Distorted Sound scored the EP 8 out of 10 and said: "In recent times CROSSFAITH have branched out their sound in a variety of different directions whilst continuing to stay cohesive and true to all the invigorating elements that brought them such adoration throughout their journey. Species is a compacted burst packed with fury and fun that will greatly please their existing fans as well as grab the attention of any potential newcomers. If you're new to the weird and wonderful world of CROSSFAITH this is the ideal appetiser to get you acquainted."

In a less favourable review, Kerrang! gave the EP 2 out of 5 and stated: "Overall, Species hasn't evolved enough to justify its existence." Wall of Sound gave the EP a score 8/10 and saying: "Crossfaith continue to be a dominant outfit among Japan's heavy music scene. It will be interesting to see what kind of live show for SPECIES they bring back to Australia, because their last outing made them an unmissable band in my book."

Personnel

Crossfaith

Additional musicians

Charts

Chart performance for Species
Charts (2020)Peak
position
Japanese Albums (Billboard)[5] 20
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[6] 13

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
Japan20 May 2020CD, digital downloadUNFD
Worldwide22 May 2020

Notes and References

  1. Web site: CROSSFAITH To Release 'Species' EP In May. Blabbermouth.net. 24 May 2020. 10 April 2020.
  2. Web site: CROSSFAITH // Share New Single 'Digital Parasite'. HysteriaMag.com. 9 April 2020. 24 May 2020.
  3. Web site: ØɄⱤ ₦Ɇ₩ ɆⱤ₳ ł₴ ₳฿ØɄ₮ ₮Ø ฿Ɇ₲ł₦. Twitter. 2 February 2020. 25 May 2020.
  4. Web site: CROSSFAITH ANNOUNCE NEW EP, SPECIES. Kerrang!. 9 April 2020. 25 May 2020.
  5. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot Albums Charts. Billboard Japan. 1 June 2020. 2 June 2020. ja.
  6. Web site: Weekly Album Ranking 2020-06-01. Oricon. 29 May 2020. 29 May 2020. ja.