BY STEVE THIRIOT
From the bustling alleys of Los Angeles comes the return of sonic behemoth Exmortus. Their latest offering, "Necrophony," is a musical juggernaut that establishes a new golden era for the band. The album is a glorious amalgamation of neo-classical ingenuity and raw extreme metal energy.
Opening with "Masquerade," a purely instrumental piece, the album immediately sets the tone with its rapid-fire riffs and symphonic fervor, proving that words are sometimes secondary to the sheer force of musicianship. It serves as an appetizer to the impending storm.
"Mask of Red Death" immediately follows, with a powerful onslaught of thoughtful lyrics, earth-shattering drums, and meticulous guitar solos. The craftsmanship here is nothing short of breathtaking.
Tracks like "Oathbreaker" and "Mind of Metal" display a ferocity and precision that only seasoned musicians can produce. Every note, scream, and drum beat is delivered with a purpose, creating a soundscape that feels like a strategic assault on the senses.
"Storm of Strings" stands as a love letter to Exmortus's neo-classical roots, delivering a composition that feels reminiscent of a maddening Vivaldi piece, if Vivaldi had an electric guitar and a penchant for thrash metal. "Test of Time" is well crafted and well executed; Exmortus's musicianship really shines on this track.
"Darkest of Knights" is an epic odyssey, its 8+ minutes taking listeners through a range of emotions, from aggressive passion to haunting melancholy, showcasing the band's narrative prowess. This track is an absolute Shred fest and I absolutely loved it.
“Prophecy” and “Children of the Night” showcase Exmortus's prowess in storytelling. their ability to craft metal sagas that are both captivating and bone-crushing.
“Beyond the Grave" serve as the band's relentless drive to innovate within their space. The track is both a nod to their roots and a gaze into the future, showing Exmortus's ability to evolve yet remain grounded in their identity.
“Overture” is another well crafted instrumental before leading into the title track; "Necrophony," this song caps off the album in grand fashion. It's a culmination of everything that makes this album great – fierce guitar solos, powerful drumming, and lyrics that delve deep into the macabre.
Guitarist and vocalist, Jadran ‘Conan’ Gonzalez's comment about a "rebirth" rings true. There's a clear evolution evident in "Necrophony." This isn't a band merely resting on their laurels or regurgitating old formulas. It's evident that the isolation of the pandemic offered them a chrysalis period. The metamorphosis is undeniable.
The signing with Nuclear Blast seems to have brought a breath of fresh air, offering Exmortus a platform to showcase their refined artistry to a broader audience.
"Necrophony" isn't just an album; it's a modern epic. Exmortus has made it clear that they aren't just back; they're here to dominate. Fans of extreme metal should rejoice, for the masters have delivered an opus that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. Brutal, refined, and undeniably Exmortus.
Album Drops August 25th via Nuclear Blast Records