Album Review: Sicksnese – “Cross Me Twice”

Apr 14, 2025

Setting the Scene

I’m not a huge fan of Nu Metal, Rap Metal, or rap in general. The Nu Metal bands I can stand are few, and the ones I actually enjoy are even fewer. So when I decided to check out Cross Me Twice, the debut album by Sicksense, it wasn’t because of the genre. It was because of the people behind it. More specifically, because Vicky Psarakis is part of the band. Her voice and musical instincts have always impressed me, no matter the project.

Released on March 28th, 2025, Cross Me Twice is Sicksense’s first full album.

First Impression

Cross Me Twice hits hard right from the start. It feels big and powerful, with a mix of energy and emotion that pulls you in. The album has a great flow, never losing its intensity, and it leaves a strong impression from the very first listen.

Similar Sounds

If you’re into any of these artists, this album should be on your radar.

Hollywood UndeadIn This MomentFive Finger Death Punch

Visual Vibes

The album artwork has a dark, intense vibe, with deep purple tones and a bat (bringing to mind Negan’s Lucille from The Walking Dead if you’re a fan), breaking a glass vase filled with some kind of blue flowers (names of flowers aren’t my strong suite), with shards scattering around. This creates a sense of chaos and destruction, fitting the energy of Cross Me Twice. The shattered glass and the contrast between the soft flowers and the brutal impact mirror the album’s balance of aggression and melody.

Beyond the album artwork, the lyric visualizer videos and music videos created by Sicksense for this album are also worthy of praise.

Track on Repeat

Throwback showcases Vicky Psarakis’s powerful vocals, perfectly complemented by Robby J. Fonts’ growls and rap sections, both adding intensity and contrast to the track. The music itself is stellar, blending heavy riffs with melodic elements that enhance the dynamic vocal exchange. At the track’s peak, Vicky channels her inner Janis Joplin, delivering a breathtaking final chorus that brings the song to a brilliant, high-energy conclusion.

In-depth Notes

Musical Shape

The music on Cross Me Twice is a masterful blend of heavy riffs, catchy hooks, and diverse rhythms. The guitar work is sharp and dynamic, moving effortlessly between aggressive moments and melodic grooves. The bass and drums lock in tightly, providing a solid foundation that enhances both the intensity and the smoother transitions throughout the album.

Vocal Performance

Both Vicky Psarakis and Robby J. Fonts played crucial roles in the vocal performance of Cross Me Twice. Vicky’s ability to shift between growls, clean singing, and screams did what a connective ligament does at the joint between two bones, ensuring a smooth flow between different vocal parts. Robby’s growling and rapping provided the perfect contrast, adding depth and energy to the album. Together, their performances created a dynamic and cohesive experience.

Production Quality

The production quality on Cross Me Twice is impressive. Every song has the perfect length, intro, and outro, and the arrangements are spot on, making the album flow without monotony. The handling of transitions between tracks and different vocal styles, from growls to rapping to clean singing, is smooth and effortless, keeping the momentum strong throughout.

General Theme

The album deals with many human emotions, from personal struggle and self-reflection to the complexity of relationships. It explores emotional turmoil, self-expression, and internal conflict. Personally, when I was listening to the album, I was at a low moment, and it directly made me feel better.

Final Verdict

★★★★★★★★☆☆

A gripping blend of emotion and intensity, in impressive versatility.

Mood Meter

Intensity

Melancholy

Darkness

Joyfulness

Serenity

Energy

Perfect For…

Workout

Driving

Gaming

Emotional struggle

Will I play it again?

Yes! The quality defies my personal feelings for the genre. This is darn good music!

Get your copy

Streaming & Physical

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About the Author

Reuel Way

Being a feminist has been normalized as an irregularity through our patriarchal society, so I'd rather be called a "decent human" than a "feminist man". I breathe Metal and Rock and have a screwed-up sense of humour.