Artist Spotlight: FUZZRIPPER

From the shadows of Crystal Lake, Tennessee’s rising metal act returns with a chilling new chapter

For FUZZRIPPER, horror isn’t just inspiration—it’s identity. With the release of their new single “Crystal Lake”, the Tennessee-based heavy metal band takes a deep dive into slasher film mythology, blending thunderous riffs, pounding drums, and vintage synth lines into a track that feels as cinematic as it does brutal.

Formed in Clarksville, TN in 2017, FUZZRIPPER has always straddled the line between classic heavy metal and contemporary metal production. Their latest single, released October 13, 2025, is a testament to their ability to honor the legacy of metal while pushing into darker, moodier, and more atmospheric territory. Inspired by the Jason vs. Pamela Voorhees storyline from the Friday the 13th franchise, “Crystal Lake” is more than just a horror-themed song—it’s a layered, modern metal offering that walks the line between homage and innovation.

A sound rooted in the past, forged for the future

Musically, “Crystal Lake” doesn’t shy away from FUZZRIPPER’s influences. Fans of Ozzy Osbourne, Ghost, and early Metallica will find familiar elements: guitar tones thick with distortion, driving rhythms, and vocals that balance menace with melody. But what sets FUZZRIPPER apart is their use of 1980s horror-inspired synth work, woven seamlessly into the track’s crushing framework.

That eerie, retro synth sound is no gimmick—it’s part of the band’s DNA. As vocalist and guitarist Dusty Mahan notes, the band’s sonic evolution has always been about “fusing the atmosphere of horror cinema with the power of heavy music.” On “Crystal Lake,” that vision comes into sharp focus. The track was self-produced at Ripper Productions, with drums recorded by Layne Robertson at Contra Coda Media, and the rest of the instrumentation mixed and mastered by Mahan himself—a DIY approach that retains rawness without sacrificing polish.

Accompanying the track is a cinematic music video that mirrors the song’s horror themes, offering a visual narrative that captures the psychological and supernatural elements of the Voorhees saga. It’s an ambitious and immersive package that solidifies FUZZRIPPER’s reputation as more than just a band—they’re worldbuilders.

Building a mythology of their own

Since their debut Nightstalker in 2017, FUZZRIPPER has been developing a mythos around their music, with recurring themes, concepts, and even a mascot—Jack “the Ripper”—who appears across their artwork and stage shows. That commitment to narrative has set the band apart from peers in the modern metal underground.

Earlier in 2025, they released Poltergeist, a concept album paying tribute to classic paranormal films and television. It was a defining moment in their career: not only did it showcase their growing songwriting and production capabilities, it also helped them earn respect from both underground and mainstream listeners. The album was mixed and mastered by Jeremiah Scott (Demon Hunter, Destroy Destroy Destroy) at The Southern Oracle, and brought FUZZRIPPER into a wider conversation about what modern heavy metal can be when it embraces visual culture and narrative depth.

“Crystal Lake” picks up where Poltergeist left off—haunted, cinematic, and deeply layered—but sharpens its focus on slasher horror and the more visceral side of storytelling.

What comes next

FUZZRIPPER is currently performing regionally as they build momentum for a full-length album expected in Fall 2026. If “Crystal Lake” is any indication, the forthcoming material will continue expanding the band’s musical and visual universe—one where heavy riffs, horror nostalgia, and precise modern production collide.

For listeners craving music that feels as visual as it is visceral, FUZZRIPPER delivers. With each release, they’re further defining a subgenre that blends storytelling, horror aesthetics, and relentless sonic force.

“Crystal Lake” is streaming now on all major platforms. Fans of horror, heavy metal, and immersive music experiences should take note—FUZZRIPPER isn’t just releasing songs; they’re crafting chapters in an ever-expanding world of their own design.

Listen to “Crystal Lake”:
https://linktr.ee/fuzzripper

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