Thrash Is Back

Exaust is a Welsh thrash metal band that has a clear objective in the eyes of many, including the band themselves! Bringing back 80s thrash metal. For any supporters of bands such as Anthrax, Metallica, Sepultura, Exaust's debut effort will be a comfortable and great listen.

The EP consists of 4 original songs which are well composed and performed by the 3-piece, with devastating riffs and a powerful drumming perfomance. However my biggest highlight from the album is the Frank Bello style bass work, which excellently provides a massive low end to contend with the riffs. The tone and production bass wise is absolutley on point and cuts through the mix easily. The vocals are a throat-killing display of pure aggresion, they fit the music well enough, although due to the young age of the band it is clear that the vocals are not the strong point and as the voice develops,it will hopefully become a key feature of this bands career.

My favourite track from this EP is "The Pharoah", a remastered version of their previous single. The actual remastering is top-notch, and shows a significant improvement in production and tightness from Exaust. The song wastes absolutley zero time in producing a neck-breaking riff that repeats throughout the song. Before a rapid change of pace in the verse riff shows a matured musicianship in terms of instrumentation. The breakdown at the end is a fantastic way to end a brilliant track, and a good debut EP.

However, there are a few issues or mark-downs in my perspective. Obviously the lack of unique edge, or ideas means these tracks will not stand out amongst the crowd; This EP however acts as a launch pad for new ideas and hopefully the next release will set this young band apart from the others.