Japanese metalcore force CRYSTAL LAKE has returned with their newest single “Crossing Nails," which marks the band's first release this year and the second single since signing globally to Century Media Records last year in May.
Currently tearing through Europe on a string of festival appearances and exclusive headliner shows, “Crossing Nails” delivers a blistering nu-metal anthem. The single comes not just with a striking visualizer, but also along with the band’s album announcement for January 2026. The yet-unnamed record will be CRYSTAL LAKE’s first album release since 'Helix,' released back in 2019. Fans and new audiences alike can expect more announcements regarding the album to follow in the upcoming months, alongside new music by the quintet.
Stream "Crossing Nails" HERE
Vocalist John shares about “Crossing Nails”:
"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”
Guitarist YD adds:
"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!"
Watch the Visualizer for "Crossing Nails"
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.
CRYSTAL LAKE has won over fans worldwide with an unequalled live show and an infectious brand of metalcore that weaves together tight riffs, gleaming production, and screaming melodies along with guttural and impassioned vocals that both roar and soar. Releasing records internationally since 2014 on labels including Sharptone and Artery, CRYSTAL LAKEhas become a fixture on the worldwide stage – and it feels like they are now only getting started. The band released their striking single “BlüdGod” (feat. Taylor Barber) in May 2024 to commence the global signing to label Century Media Records, an important step for the band as shared by founder, songwriter, and guitarist Yudai “YD” Miyamoto: “We grew up on many Century Media bands. We love its history and are happy to be part of that and make new history.”
CRYSTAL LAKE is currently working on its Century Media full-length debut, due for release in early 2026. The record will mark the album debut of vocalist John Robert Centorrino, formerly of New Jersey deathcore band Last Ten Seconds of Life. Centorrino made his debut with CRYSTAL LAKE in 2023, his first appearance with the band being Knotfest Japan in March 2023, followed by an extensive US tour supporting August Burns Red the same year. Now, the Japanese force is poised to take their next step with their new album expected for January 2026.
CRYSTAL LAKE are:
John Robert Centorrino – Lead Vocals
YD – Guitar
TJ – Guitar
Gaku - Drums
Mitsuru - Bass