Exciter
The Dark Command
[Osmose]
Ah yes! Canada’s own sons of true steel, Exciter have stuck to their thrash/heavy guns despite the countless fads plaguing the True North as well as the global metal circuit, and deserve kudos regardless of the quality of their present work. However, I’m glad to report that their ‘present work’ is indeed one that still glows with a passionate, forceful gleam, bereft of any trend-ridden nonsense that plagues much of the current extreme metal circles. Blazing an indellible path along with luminaries like Annihilator and Shuvelhead, Exciter is indubitably the benchmark for Canadian heavy metal.
Exciter have however made a rather radical transition between their filthy, unrepentant Motörhead/Venom infused heavy/thrash metal to this, their infinitely more evolved, modern and technically proficient power/speed sound. Indeed, things are considerably more complex and technically developed than they were on “Violence and Force” or even “ Long Live The Loud”, but this is merely a logical musical evolution, and seeing as how old Exciter makes numerous periodical appearances throughout the recording, I am not one to complain. To these listener’s ears, this evolution has not pilfered from the rampant Exciter spirit, as everything is as unabashedly loud as it once was.
A hefty amount of well-used double bass, shredding breakneck rifferama, soaring vocals and unashamed heavy metal lead guitar ditties are the crux of Exciter’s newfound formula, and the music is veritably tight and exuberant. Jacques Belanger’s searing wails are perhaps most reminiscent of a less-disciplined Bruce Dickinson for his predominantly high-register delivery and even Matt Barlow when it approaches a lower register, though a tad more aggressive than either, I feel. A few proto-death grunts are added in for variety here and there, though Jacques ultimately ends up sounding rather goofy attempting these, for lack of a better term. John Ricci’s guitar work scorches on this recording, what with all the disharmonic thrashy riffage and rabid, hell for leather leadwork. Agh, truly a glorious album indeed.
Far from being a monodimensional, monochromatic work of straightforward heavy metal, Exciter present us with a melange of varying material. Apart from the absolutely raucous thrashing mayhem, we are presented with the darker, predominantly mid-paced Burn At The Stake and the morose Let Us Prey, both of which stand testament to the songwriting depth of the outfit. Lyrically, Exciter dwell on their well-established themes of suicide and the quashing of religion.
Passionate, well-written, incredibly executed and insanely infectious, quality heavy/thrash metal that exudes an inimitable sense of class. With Annhilator’s latest, equally impressive record, it seems as though people will have to succumb to the resurgence of mighty Canuck heavy metal, and I could not be more proud to wave the maple leaf. Flawless, I think, and a hearty recommendation to anybody who’s even remotely interested in olden heavy metal anymore.
[ a fucking 10! ]
© 2000 equimanthorn
Exciter have however made a rather radical transition between their filthy, unrepentant Motörhead/Venom infused heavy/thrash metal to this, their infinitely more evolved, modern and technically proficient power/speed sound. Indeed, things are considerably more complex and technically developed than they were on “Violence and Force” or even “ Long Live The Loud”, but this is merely a logical musical evolution, and seeing as how old Exciter makes numerous periodical appearances throughout the recording, I am not one to complain. To these listener’s ears, this evolution has not pilfered from the rampant Exciter spirit, as everything is as unabashedly loud as it once was.
A hefty amount of well-used double bass, shredding breakneck rifferama, soaring vocals and unashamed heavy metal lead guitar ditties are the crux of Exciter’s newfound formula, and the music is veritably tight and exuberant. Jacques Belanger’s searing wails are perhaps most reminiscent of a less-disciplined Bruce Dickinson for his predominantly high-register delivery and even Matt Barlow when it approaches a lower register, though a tad more aggressive than either, I feel. A few proto-death grunts are added in for variety here and there, though Jacques ultimately ends up sounding rather goofy attempting these, for lack of a better term. John Ricci’s guitar work scorches on this recording, what with all the disharmonic thrashy riffage and rabid, hell for leather leadwork. Agh, truly a glorious album indeed.
Far from being a monodimensional, monochromatic work of straightforward heavy metal, Exciter present us with a melange of varying material. Apart from the absolutely raucous thrashing mayhem, we are presented with the darker, predominantly mid-paced Burn At The Stake and the morose Let Us Prey, both of which stand testament to the songwriting depth of the outfit. Lyrically, Exciter dwell on their well-established themes of suicide and the quashing of religion.
Passionate, well-written, incredibly executed and insanely infectious, quality heavy/thrash metal that exudes an inimitable sense of class. With Annhilator’s latest, equally impressive record, it seems as though people will have to succumb to the resurgence of mighty Canuck heavy metal, and I could not be more proud to wave the maple leaf. Flawless, I think, and a hearty recommendation to anybody who’s even remotely interested in olden heavy metal anymore.
[ a fucking 10! ]
© 2000 equimanthorn