Texas groove metal wrecking crew CREEPER USA recently joined The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio for an in-depth conversation about their crushing new album, the creative process behind the band, working alongside legendary producers Kerry Crafton and Sterling Winfield, and why they believe every song should hit like an anthem.
Before diving into the interview, vocalist Tex pointed out that the version of "Screaming Demon" played during the broadcast was an earlier mix that was accidentally sent over, missing its final third verse. Even so, the track immediately set the tone for a conversation full of laughs, stories, and plenty of Texas-sized metal talk.
Built The Old School Way
Although Creeper officially formed in 2007, the current lineup really found its identity after bassist Ian joined in 2021.
Ian explained that guitarist and founder Jimi Fritz had one clear goal: finally assemble a stable lineup capable of recording a complete album together after years of lineup changes had stalled previous efforts.
That chemistry quickly became the foundation of Crushing .
"We're like a machine now," Tex said. "We rehearse all the time."
The band credits that chemistry, especially between the rhythm section, as one of the biggest reasons the new material feels tighter and heavier than anything they've released before.
Working With Texas Metal Legends
One of the biggest talking points was the production team behind Crushing .
The album brought together Kerry Crafton , known for his work with King Diamond and Rigor Mortis, alongside Sterling Winfield , whose production credits include Pantera and Mercyful Fate.
For Creeper, the collaboration wasn't just about having legendary names attached to the project.
It became an opportunity to learn from decades of studio experience.
The band described sitting in listening sessions where Crafton and Winfield demonstrated how seemingly tiny adjustments, sometimes just a single decibel, completely transformed a mix.
Those lessons helped shape an album that sounds powerful without sacrificing clarity.
Tex also revealed that the recording process stretched close to a year after Winfield relocated and built a new studio, creating an unexpected pause before tracking resumed.
Looking back, the band says the extra time ultimately helped the record become even stronger.
No Fillers. Every Song Has To Hit.
One philosophy kept coming up throughout the interview.
Creeper doesn't believe in filler tracks.
Tex explained that too many albums contain only a handful of memorable songs surrounded by material that simply fills space.
Their goal is different.
"We want every song to sound like it's an anthem."
That mindset carried throughout Crushing , and the band says they'll take the exact same approach on their next release.
Horror, Serial Killers, and Storytelling
One of the most entertaining parts of the conversation centered around the band's lyrical themes.
Rather than writing about politics or relationships, Creeper builds songs around horror films, infamous serial killers, and true crime.
Tex explained that he wants listeners to be entertained and transported into a story.
Among the inspirations discussed were:
Jack the Ripper ("10 Bells")
Ted Bundy
Wayne Williams and the Atlanta Child Murders ("The River")
The Devil's Rejects
House of 1000 Corpses
The vocalist also revealed that many of the songs are written from the killer's perspective rather than the victim's, allowing listeners to experience the story from a completely different point of view.
The discussion naturally drifted into true crime documentaries, horror movies, and podcasts, with everyone agreeing that real-life crime stories can often be more unsettling than fictional horror.
The Texas Metal Sound
Naturally, the conversation turned toward the comparisons Creeper often receives, like Pantera etc.
The band welcomes every one of those comparisons.
Rather than trying to imitate anyone, Creeper sees those references as compliments rooted in growing up surrounded by the rich Texas metal tradition.
According to the band, what they're really chasing isn't someone else's sound.
It's the energy.
The groove.
The feeling that gets a crowd moving.
Already Looking Toward Album Two
Despite Crushing only recently arriving, Creeper is already hard at work on its follow-up.
The band revealed they'll soon return to the studio with Kerry Crafton and Sterling Winfield to record two brand-new singles for the next album.
If their confidence is any indication, they have no plans on slowing down.
According to Tex, the next record will stay true to everything fans loved about Crushing while pushing the intensity even further.
Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest?
Toward the end of the interview, the conversation shifted toward the Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest.
After talking about the growing Southern metal scene and the festival's success, Creeper expressed genuine interest in making the trip to Tennessee in the future.
With their energetic live show and Southern roots, they certainly sound like a band that would fit right in.
Watch Creeper
Fans can keep up with Creeper through their official social media pages and YouTube channel, where their videos have already surpassed one million combined views.
If Crushing is any indication, Creeper isn't interested in following trends or chasing algorithms.
They're simply writing the kind of heavy, groove-driven metal they grew up loving, and judging by the momentum they're building, plenty of fans are ready to come along for the ride.
Stay tuned to Metal Devastation Radio for more exclusive interviews, underground metal news, and the heaviest music from around the world.
The Zach Moonshine Show Playlist
Battle Of The Bands Top Six:
Another Demon – Drawn and Quartered (feat. James Murphy: Testament, Death, Obituary)
Soul Of Sheol – Paradise Is Not For Us
Rage of Justice – Digital Prison
Heidbekka – Völva
Mistress – Terrified Eyes
W Ramionach Wiedźmy – Szeptucha
The Zach Moonshine Intro
Ozzy Osbourne – Symptom Of The Universe / Sweet Leaf
Behemoth – I, Scvlptor
Marilyn Manson – Exit Wound
Left To Die – Witch of Hell
Creeper Interview Segment (Screamin’ Demon / Big Bad Wolf)
Locust Pointe – Handmaidens of the Apocalypse
EMBR – Bury Me in Smoke
The Red Mountain – N.I.B.
Totally Overrated Sellouts – Cesspool
Talia Hoit – All You Want
Nemisis – Hell’s Last Kiss
Aphonic Threnody – Grace My Heart
JSP – Lost Without You
Nothing Sacred – Am I Going Insane
Elle Tea – Elle Tea (Travelling)
Fear Equation – Disconnected
Never Reborn – Existence Denied
NetherDred – Spellbound
Twin Temple – I’m Wicked / Sex Magick
Danzig – I’m The One / Her Black Wings
Deadboy & The Elephantmen – Graves Beyond Windows
Beitthemeans – Drinking From a Skull
Clutch – Binge and Purge
Circus Of Power – Motor
Full show streaming now on Mixcloud!
Interview segments available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple:
Super massive shout out and thanks to the 356,692 metal maniacs worldwide that tuned in for the live broadcast of devastation Friday!
https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29116/creeper-talk-crushing-texas-metal-horror-movies-and-whats-next-with-the-zach-moonshine-show?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger
