The Crucified Expierenced ‘Cultural Appreciation Barrier’ in Europe

Since reuniting last year, Christian thrash legends the Crucified have played more than a handful of shows. For drummer Jim Chaffin, each show has been special for different reasons. But the one that has stood far above the rest was the band's first trip overseas to Norway for one show. "It wasn't like we were there relaxing," He clarified for Noisecreep. "It was a pretty strict schedule."

Though this was the band's first time over the pond, it wasn't Chaffin's first jaunt abroad, as he had been overseas before with his other band, Once Dead. While on a previous tour, he discovered something he never thought would happen: a whole new generation listening to the Crucified. "I had guys 18 and 19 years old telling me they liked the Crucified," Chaffin recalled, still in a state of shock. "And I'm like 'Did your dad like them?' And they said, 'No. We love your demos.'" These are die-hard fans, obviously.

But when Chaffin returned with the band, many fans let him know they were upset with the re-release of the band's 1991 album, 'Pillars of Humanity.' He said, "They were really bummed we did anything to 'Pillars.'" Catching him totally off guard, fans let their dismay over the re-mastering be known, citing a feeling of loss over the now-louder snare sound, something Chaffin loved about the new mix.

"Not only is there a language barrier, there is a cultural appreciation barrier," Chaffin theorized. "If they wanna hear Judas Priest's 'Hell Bent for Leather,' they want to hear that old recording, not the 2010 all nu-metaled out one." He responded to all fans by saying, "We thought it sounded better." But when people said they preferred the original, clay-putty devil artwork over the new one, Chaffin drew a line. "I'm glad you're here and glad you appreciate this, but I can't work with you on that one," he had said.

With the reunion well past just a few shows and the band attempting to write new material, Chaffin admitted they are trying to get back to Europe. "Playing overseas is where we are going to have the most response until we can come up with something new and interesting here in the states. That's where we're at," he said.