Traxter |Take Heed |Roxx Records

Release Date March 13^th, 2026
Format CD/Digital
Genre Christian Heavy Metal
Country USA

Traxter have one of those stories that feel almost unreal. Formed back in 1987, they made noise with their debut "Rock n Race" in 1991, and then disappeared just as things were building. Decades passed, the name became a footnote for collectors and diehards, and then out of nowhere the band got back together and finished what they started in the early 90s. "Take Heed" is the result of that long pause, a release that carries old ideas finally given shape after more than thirty years.

Musically, this EP sits comfortably in that late 80s, early 90s heavy metal pocket. The riffs are straightforward, the pacing is steady, and there is a clear love for melody without going soft. You can tell these songs were born in a different era, and that is part of the appeal. There is an honest, almost stubborn dedication to the classic sound, with no attempt to dress it up for modern tastes. The guitars do most of the heavy lifting here, delivering solid hooks and enough variation to keep things moving. That said, the biggest issue comes from the vocals. They struggle to match the strength of the instrumentation. There are moments where the delivery pulls you out of the song instead of pulling you in, which is frustrating because the music underneath deserves something stronger. It is not a complete dealbreaker, though it does hold the EP back from hitting a higher level.

There is also certain unevenness across the material. Some sections click nicely and stick with you, others pass by without leaving much behind. It’s like a collection of ideas from a different time finally assembled, and that shows in how the EP flows. Still, there is something respectable about hearing these songs completed instead of left in the vault forever. "Take Heed" will probably land best with listeners who already have a soft spot for classic Christian metal and appreciate the history behind it. It is not a comeback that shakes the ground, and it does have clear flaws, mainly in the vocal department, though it still carries enough charm and sincerity to make it worth a spin.

Score: 6.0