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Interview with
LEWIS OLIVER
from
CRYPT CRAWLER

(21st September 2024)

INTERVIEW WITH Dave Bruce

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Watch to the full interview below

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**Crypt Crawler: The Journey of Death Metal Titans**

Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lewis Oliver from *Crypt Crawler* about the band’s origins, evolution, and their new album *The Immortal Realm*. In this in-depth interview, Lewis shares insights on how the band came together, their creative process, and what makes death metal resonate so deeply with their fans.

The Origins of Crypt Crawler

Formed in 2018, Crypt Crawler was the brainchild of Marco and Jordan, two metalheads who connected over a shared love for the legendary band *Death*. While they initially met on Facebook, their chemistry in creating brutal, old-school death metal was instant. Though their earlier musical experiences were scattered, Crypt Crawler quickly became their first serious project.

Lewis joined the lineup in 2019, just as their debut album *To The Grave* was released. From that point forward, Crypt Crawler began making their mark on the Australian metal scene. With a mutual love for all things heavy, they brought their sound to life, drawing influences from both old-school death metal giants like *Obituary* and modern acts like *Gatecreeper*.

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A Journey Through Albums

Their discography reflects a band constantly evolving but firmly rooted in the classic death metal sound. Their first album, *To The Grave* (2019), set the stage, while 2020’s EP *Blood Sustenance* marked Lewis’s first contribution. Then came *Future Usurper* in 2021, a slightly more technical offering, and now their latest full-length release, *The Immortal Realm*, which just dropped last week.

With *The Immortal Realm*, Crypt Crawler took a more collaborative approach to writing. For the first time, all band members contributed to the songwriting process in the same room, creating a cohesive and powerful sound. They focused on writing an album full of tight, no-filler tracks — and it paid off. Fans are already praising its heaviness and intensity.

What Makes Death Metal Special?

I had to ask Lewis, what exactly *is* death metal, and why does it resonate so strongly with fans? He described Crypt Crawler’s brand of death metal as heavily rooted in old-school styles like *Cannibal Corpse* and *Death*, but with a fresh twist. Their music combines brutal riffs, groovy mid-tempo sections, and lyrics inspired by the macabre, all brought together with modern influences. For many fans, it’s the cathartic experience of heavy, aggressive music paired with themes of horror and fantasy that makes death metal so appealing.

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The Immortal Realm: A Concept Album?

While not a strict concept album, *The Immortal Realm* has a cohesive theme running through it. The title track was the first song they wrote, and it set the tone for the rest of the album. From its snare-fill intro to its relentless riffs, it exemplifies the “banger after banger” approach that the band embraced. Other standout tracks include *Forced Metamorphosis*, the fast-paced single perfect for circle pits, and *Gateway of Souls*, an epic closer that ties into songs from their previous album, continuing a thematic trilogy.

Live Shows and Future Aspirations

Crypt Crawler is gearing up for some exciting live performances, including supporting the death metal legends *Nile* in Perth next month. Fans can expect a mix of new material and classics from their earlier albums. After that, the band will perform at the Electric Eye Heavy Fest in Fremantle, alongside a stellar lineup of local and national talent.

Looking to the future, Lewis shares the band’s aspirations to tour internationally, particularly in death metal strongholds like Europe and Scandinavia. It’s clear that Crypt Crawler has their sights set on expanding their reach and bringing their unique blend of old-school death metal to new audiences.

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Wrapping Up

Lewis Oliver may be modest about his role as “just the drummer,” but Crypt Crawler’s success is the result of the entire band’s hard work and passion. With their latest release, *The Immortal Realm*, Crypt Crawler continues to push the boundaries of what death metal can be, while staying true to the genre’s roots.

Be sure to catch them live, and if you haven’t already, give *The Immortal Realm* a spin — it’s a must-listen for any fan of heavy music.

Stay tuned to Amnplify for more interviews, album reviews, and updates on the Australian music scene. Until next time, keep it heavy!

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Follow CRYPT CRAWLER
Website – Bandcamp – Instagram – Facebook

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Watch to the full interview below

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AMNPLIFY – DB