Photo Credit: Jesse Kojima

On August 7, 2025, Crystal Lake released their newest single, “Crossing Nails,” along with a haunting visualizer that encapsulates the meaning behind the song. Crystal Lake also announced they will be releasing their new album in January of next year. It’s going to become one of the most anticipated releases of 2026 because the band hasn’t released an album since 2019. I personally feel like “Crossing Nails” is the single that will capture the attention of new listeners and it can test the waters of old fans because we know how fans get when bands they love either remove or add new members to the lineup. My opinion is that John (vocalist) adds a different soundscape to the band, and “Crossing Nails” is that song where he was fully able to explore and express his emotions through this single. “Crossing Nails” invites listeners into the headspace of John’s past with religion and shows that the church at times uses its faith as a method of control instead of bringing peace to individuals. The lyrics in this single are filled with raw emotion that enhance the depth and meaning.

“I have a very love/hate relationship with God and the church. Growing up in a super religious household + going to 2 Catholic schools – I saw first-hand how they use God as a weapon of control. I needed people to be there for me. To save me from myself. To love me, and they were never there. They made me fear & hate something I should have loved. Fear is not love. Hate is not power. Control is not faith. Believe in YOURSELF. Love YOURSELF. Control YOURSELF. Faith is not a weapon – it’s peace. Crossing Nails.” – John (Vocalists)

“With this track, we’ve kept the heaviness that’s always been core to our sound, but brought the straight, speedy riff work to the forefront and wrapped the whole song in a more catchy structure. We also experimented with rhythmic and groove elements that haven’t really appeared in CRYSTAL LAKE’s music before, allowing us to explore a new kind of expression. By blending parts of my personal musical background into the song in a playful way, I think we managed to mix that classic hardcore and metal vibe in a fresh and exciting form. ‘Crossing Nails‘ is a new kind of hybrid song that combines explosive live energy with a strong sense of unity everyone can enjoy. Hope you feel that when you hear it!” – YD (Guitarist)

CRYSTAL LAKE has been touring extensively throughout the year, with their latest stops happening in Europe as part of their summer headline shows for this year. The band will continue their European run in August with a total of 6 headliner shows in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The band will be joined by Angelmaker. 

Headline Shows Europe Summer 2025

14.08.25 Germany Berlin @ Cassiopeia *

15.08.25 Germany Erfurt @ Central

17.08.25 Denmark Esbjerg @ Musikhuset

19.08.25 Germany Hamburg @ Logo*

20.08.25 Germany Oberhausen @ Kulttempel*

21.08.25 The Netherlands Eindhoven @ Dynamo

* w/ Angelmaker

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