Chriz Doe - 2025 - Cookie Doe

(40:17; Fastball Music)

Track list:
1. No Pain No Gain 4:16
2. Welcome to the Doez 3:48
3. 10.000 Days 4:05
4. Dark 4:13
5. Solitude 3:30
6. Lost in Thoughts 3:35
7. The Deep 3:56
8. Join the Party 3:37
9. Independent 3:46
10. Come Fly with Me 3:21
11. Cookie Doe 2:10

Line-up:
Chriz Doe - vocals
Henny - drums, backing vocals
Gerrit - guitars, bass
Kevin - keyboards


German band Chriz Doe was formed back in 2022, and since then the band have had some live gigs along the way, including some nice support slots for somewhat better known bands. Along the way they have also released a succession of singles. In the late fall season of 2025 they released their debut album "Cookie Doe" through German label Fastball Records.

I suspect that the best description to give the music explored on this album is alternative metal. Not because the sounds explored are all that alternative as such, but rather due to a specific type of style combination that is a recurring element throughout this production.

The songs as such tend to have a foundation inside various aspects of hard rock and heavy metal, and with most of the emphasis on the latter. Crunchy guitar riff driven affairs and majestic, powerful guitar fueled constellations coexist quite nicely with songs that explore a bit more of an ebb and flow pattern here, with powerful and energetic creations being the norm and more emotional laden songs the exception here. With some of the more majestic compositions reminding me ever so slightly of progressive metal in terms of the grandiose, big and majestic moods and atmospheres that are explored, but perhaps obviously without any similarities beyond just that.

Circulating patterns with groove elements, songs that come across as more aligned with 80's hard rock, escapades with possible inspirations from symphonic metal and the occasional lapses into traditional heavy metal and more defined alternative metal are all present and accounted for on this production. With powerful, slightly raspy and distinctly melodic lead vocals from lead singer Doe as a distinct and compelling presence.

The key element that makes me assign the alternative tag to this album as a whole are the keyboards, in this case used in a manner that makes me grab hold of the world synthesizer, and reference electronic dance music in general and occasionally the house and techno traditions specifically. In subtle as well as more overt manners, as ongoing features or as an element that comes and goes. Which gives this band and this album a distinct and specific sound, style, mood and atmosphere.

Those who tend to enjoy bands that have a go at blending traditional and more contemporary aspects of metal with a slight but defined infusion of elements from the EDM traditions should feel right at home with this album. In particular those who enjoy such endeavors most when the hard rock and metal elements are the primary and most dominant parts of this blend.

Olav M. Björnsen, March 2026

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/ChrizDoeOfficial
https://www.fastball-music.de/