CRAZY LIXX – Thrill of the Bite

Thrill of the Bite (2025) is the eighth studio album by Swedish hair metal band Crazy Lixx; the name should’ve been an easy giveaway to what type of music they play. As the follow-up to Street Lethal (2021), the album contains everything that makes Crazy Lixx who they are: a fun, party band who loves ‘80s hard rock music. The driving force behind the band has always been founder, main songwriter, and frontman Danny Rexon, whose passion for the music is undeniable. For those who aren’t familiar with their music, Crazy Lixx literally sounds like a band from the ‘80s hair metal era who could’ve easily fit in with the likes of Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Poison, Ratt, and Def Leppard. Another thing to note is Rexon sounds like a mix between Jon Bon Jovi from Bon Jovi and Joe Elliott from Def Leppard, adding to the ’80s hard rock feel even more.

Sticking to Their Guns

The album kicks off with “Highway Hurricane,” a frantic, yet polished, rocker that’s meant for blasting down the highway, no pun intended. The production is big and bombastic, which the same can be said for all of the songs on Thrill of the Bite. “Little Miss Dangerous” is cheesy, over-the-top, and sleazy as heck. It’s a track that encourages listeners to forget about politics and all the other unnecessary nonsense for six minutes and just enjoy some bloody old rock ‘n’ roll (maybe some strippers, too). “Recipe for Revolution” has a great groove and an anthemic feel to unite misfits once and for all.

“Run Run Wild” is the ‘80s sleaze rock equivalent to Chuck Berry’s “Run Rudolph Run,” except the former isn’t a Christmas song. Is it because “run” is in the song title twice? Maybe, but it’s a fun song and it’s wildly entertaining. “Hunt for Danger” is the closest thing to a ballad on Thrill of the Bite. It’s a midtempo rocker with moody and dramatic verses, and catchy, melodic hooks. “Stick It Out” does not compare to Rush’s “Stick It Out,” but it’s frantic, uplifting, and filled with high energy all around. In other words, it closes the album on a high note.

Retro Music Is Not for Everyone

On the plus side, Thrill of the Bite sounds like an album from the ‘80s. On the negative side, it sounds like an album from the ‘80s. There’s a certain audience for these retro rock bands that debuted within the past 20 years; they love feel good rock music and believe the ‘80s was the best decade for the genre. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there’s also the risk of being stuck in the past and sounding outdated. There are lots of bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s that have transitioned well into the modern times, yet kept their signature sound that made them popular in the first place. Also, the songwriting is cheesy, which was expected for Crazy Lixx. However, the song, “Who Said Rock n’ Roll Is Dead” is a bit much because that argument has been going on for years and rock fans are sick of hearing about it.

Final Assessment

Despite the negatives, everything that’s wrong with Thrill of the Bite is also what makes the album so great. With all the drama going on in the world currently, it’s nice to travel back in time and play some feel good and carefree rock music. The musicianship is there and the luscious backing vocals are there. What else is there to say? Dated or not, it sounds like the band had fun making the record and that’s all that matters. For those who are interested, give Crazy Lixx’s Thrill of the Bite a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Highway Hurricane
2. Who Said Rock n’ Roll Is Dead
3. Little Miss Dangerous
4. Call of the Wild
5. Recipe for Revolution
6. Run Run Wild
7. Midnight Rebels
8. Hunt for Danger
9. Final Warning
10. Stick It Out

Band Lineup

Danny Rexon – lead vocals
Jens Lundgren – guitars
Chrisse Olsson – guitars
Jens Andersson – bass guitar
Robin Nilsson – drums