CREEPER USA has officially unleashed their long-awaited new album CRUSHING, and it is exactly what the title promises. Out now via No Life Til Metal Records, this album delivers no filler and no trends—just straight-up, Texas groove-driven heavy metal done the way it is meant to be.

Formed in 2007 by guitarist Jimi Fritz, CREEPER has spent nearly two decades grinding it out in the trenches of the Texas underground. With the current lineup locked in and firing on all cylinders since 2021, the band has evolved into a tightly wound wrecking crew built for both stage destruction and studio precision.

Recorded at MediaTech Institute, House of Wags, and Boot Hill Studios, CRUSHING has been shaped by Texas metal heavyweights Kerry Crafton and Sterling Winfield. Winfield’s impressive track record, having worked with legends like Pantera, King Diamond, and Mercyful Fate, alongside Crafton’s pedigree from Rigor Mortis and Warbeast, has forged a record that is punishing, precise, and unapologetically heavy.

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The sound? Think the aggression of Slayer, the groove and swagger of Pantera, and the Southern grit of Exhorder, all filtered through CREEPER’s own battle-hardened identity. This is not nostalgia; this is legacy-level metal carried forward the right way.

The lineup delivering the damage includes:
- Texx Duncan – Vocals
- Jimi Fritz – Guitar
- Paul Fritz – Guitar
- Ian Train – Bass
- Kurtis Lawrence – Drums

Over the years, CREEPER has shared stages with heavy hitters including Drowning Pool, Symphony X, UDO Dirkschneider, Loudness, Metal Church, Anvil, Primal Fear, Overkill, and Prong, proving night after night they belong in that company.

Standout singles from the album include “The River,” “Big Bad Wolf,” and the hard-hitting “White Devil,” all showcasing the band’s blend of bone-cracking riffs, thunderous rhythm work, and commanding vocal delivery.

This isn’t a comeback. This isn’t hype. This is a band that has put in the years, sharpened the blade, and delivered when it counted. CRUSHING is available now on digital, CD, and limited vinyl through No Life Til Metal Records, as well as select retailers including Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Tower Records, Walmart, and Bandcamp.

For fans who still believe heavy metal should hit like a sledgehammer and groove like a freight train, CREEPER just dropped your soundtrack.

For fans of:
- Slayer
- Pantera
- Exhorder

About CREEPER:
CREEPER is a Texas metal band that has been carving their path through the heavy metal scene since 2007. With a relentless drive and a commitment to authenticity, they have solidified their place among the giants of the genre. Their sound is characterized by powerful riffs, dynamic rhythms, and unforgettable melodies.

LOS ANGELES — In a candid new interview, Don Dokken has opened up about the shifting tides of the heavy metal landscape in the late 1980s, specifically recalling how touring with Metallica during the 1988 "Monsters of Rock" stadium trek signaled the end of Dokken’s era of dominance.

Speaking with former Geffen A&R executive Tom Zutaut, the Dokken frontman didn't hold back when describing the intensity Metallica brought to the stage every night—even though they were technically the opening act.

"It's Hard to Play with Metallica"

The 1988 tour featured a powerhouse lineup including Van Halen, Scorpions, Metallica, Dokken, and Kingdom Come. At the time, Dokken was billed above Metallica, but according to Don, the musical climate was changing rapidly.

"They kicked our butts. It's hard to play with Metallica," Don admitted. "I remember on 'Monsters,' they were going on right before us... I told [our manager], 'It's kind of hard to go on stage and sing "In My Dreams" after Metallica's set.'"

Don noted that Metallica, then in the midst of mixing their technical masterpiece ...And Justice for All, performed with a "do or die" attitude that was impossible to ignore. "They crushed us," he added. "They were just in your face, over the top."

The Infamous "No Bass" Mix

Don also shared a humorous anecdote regarding Metallica’s then-new bassist, Jason Newsted. During the tour, Newsted reportedly visited Don's hotel room to play him a track from the upcoming ...And Justice for All album.

"He said, 'Just give me your opinion, as a producer. Do you think the bass is too low?'" Don recalled. "And I said, 'Honestly, I wouldn't know 'cause I can't hear any bass.' I didn't mean to be mean... but it was true." The lack of audible bass on that specific record remains one of the most debated production choices in metal history.

Internal Strife and the End of Dokken

While Metallica was ascending to superstardom, Dokken was unraveling from within. Don revealed that the pressure of the tour, combined with severe internal tensions and drug use, led to the band's eventual breakup.

Don described a "depressing" environment where he would look for guitarist George Lynch during a solo, only to find him missing from the stage because he was "standing behind his Marshall amplifiers doing coke."

Lynch has previously shared his side of the story, claiming that the management had informed the band just before the tour that Don intended to break up the group and keep the name for himself. Lynch admitted that this revelation left him "dispirted," leading him to turn to substances to cope during the tour.

Legacy of the Monsters

Despite the friction, the 1988 "Monsters of Rock" tour is remembered as a pivotal moment in rock history—the literal passing of the torch from the "hair metal" melody of the 80s to the thrash-fueled juggernaut that Metallica would become.

"Cliff [Burnstein, manager] saw it," Don said. "He said, 'These guys are gonna be huge.' Fast forward 10 years... now they're probably the biggest band in the world."

Dokken eventually reunited for various tours and a 2023 studio album, Heaven Comes Down, but for Don, the summer of '88 remains the moment the "machine gun" of thrash metal officially took over the stadium stage.

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NASHVILLE — Great White fans have reason to celebrate as frontman Brett Carlisle recently confirmed that the band is actively working on new material, marking a creative resurgence for the veteran hard rock outfit.

In a recent interview with The Metal Gods Meltdown, Carlisle—who joined the band in late 2022—revealed that while a specific release date hasn't been set, the songwriting process is well underway.

A Long-Distance Creative Spark

Despite the physical distance between members—Carlisle resides in Alabama while founding guitarist Mark Kendall and keyboardist/guitarist Michael Lardie are based in California—the chemistry is reportedly stronger than ever.

"Me and Mark, we write really well together," Carlisle said. "We have finished three songs in, like, a matter of a few hours before, just writing. We clicked so well."

Carlisle described a collaborative process where Kendall sends over riffs and "scat singing" ideas, which Carlisle then develops into full lyrical concepts and melodies. He also noted a strong vocal connection with Lardie, focusing on intricate harmonies and atmospheric layers.

Recording Plans for 2026

While the band has recorded several demos, they have yet to enter a professional studio to track the final versions. Carlisle acknowledged that their busy touring schedule makes coordination a challenge, but emphasized that the desire to release a full studio album in 2026 is a top priority for the group.

"We have the stuff," Carlisle told interviewer Seb Di Gatto. "I can't say confidently any dates... but, yeah, we all wanna make it happen."

From the Stage to the Screen

The news of new music comes on the heels of Carlisle’s high-profile appearance on American Idol. In an episode that aired in February, Carlisle auditioned for judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, performing the Great White classic "House of Broken Love."

His performance earned him a "Golden Ticket" to Hollywood, with Lionel Richie praising his rock sensibilities and predicting he could be a "poster child" for the genre on the show.

A "Godsend" for the Band

At 28 years old, Carlisle is significantly younger than his bandmates, but founding members Mark Kendall and Michael Lardie have frequently praised his "old soul" and technical ability. Kendall previously noted that Carlisle’s range has opened up the band's entire catalog, allowing them to play songs they hadn't performed live in years.

"He sings perfect all the time," Kendall said in a 2024 interview. "And he’s got really good song sense for a young man."

As Carlisle continues his journey on American Idol, Great White appears to be entering its next chapter, fueled by the energy of its young frontman and a collection of new songs that aim to honor the band's multi-platinum legacy.