Forever Wild

Forever Wild is Crazy Lixx's sixth album, on which they honed 80s-style hard rock with sing-along choruses and cinematic hooks. Carrying over the direction established on the previous Ruff Justice, they took in their widest range of styles yet, from hard rock to AOR. Production was handled by Danny Rexon and Chris Laney. According to Rexon, it was the first time in the band's history that all members recorded under roughly the same conditions, studios and equipment, positioned as a natural progression from its predecessor. From the opening anthem "Wicked" to "Break Out" and "Silent Thunder," which got videos, well-matched songs line up. Soaring melodies reminiscent of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Warrant color the whole record. The current lineup, settled in 2016, sounds closest to the band's ideal. An open, upbeat feel well suited to summer festivals is another of the album's charms. On the over-six-minute "Eagle," they show a grander side than before. An accomplished record where mature songwriting shines.