Thrash, Speed, Burn

I've never actually listened to an Exciter album before so this album left me in a precarious position; when you have to review a new album by a long running band the usual procedure is to compare their latest release to their earlier/better releases and then whine on for about three paragraphs telling the reader how much you think they're a bunch of cockwalruses for not sticking to their guns instead of trying to do whatever it is they ended up doing. This effectively leaves me in the unique position of giving an unbiased view on the revival of a metal band from the wintry north, hauling its permafrost carcass from the deepest reaches of the wasteland tundra and putting in the microwave on sensor reheat.

Despite this rare occasion to actually fairly judge an album without lambasting the offending band for their past, this album is exceptionally average at best and a benzoate-induced coma at worst. The album goes through the speed metal motions, but thanks to a combination of poor production and inept song writing nothing jumps out at you, this album was boring enough at one point that I wilfully decided to clean up my dorm room and finally look at my university timetable. The production is the first strike against this album; the double bass drums sound like someone masturbating at an awkward rhythm, the guitars sound thin instead of mimicing a 'laser bullet' however the bass is audible for once but doesn't lead revolutions or anything. "Crucifixion" is where the album loses any momentum it previously had, it's endearing to see Exciter trying to mix up the album by having a slower song but it's done with a severe lack of grace; the opening minute is unbearably slow and unremarkable before the song crunches in and keeps this glacial pace going for the entirety of the song. Exciter you are not a fucking drone band, slow songs need something to work towards as a means to keep attention; slowing down a speed metal riff is the equivalent to dousing a deliciously tender and succulent pork chop in giraffe ejaculate. The second half of the album picks up again but doesn't really deviate from the style of the first three songs and becomes horrendously boring. I've tried numerous times to listen to the last half of this album but it all blends together into a smooth, homogenous mixture devoid of any discernible personality.

I suppose one could be content with Exciter being highly consistent on this release, barring "Crucifixion", but thanks to the horrendous production this album becomes frustratingly difficult to enjoy or even listen to for that matter. The album is mean and fast, and doesn't divulge in wanking around with pop-ish sensibilities or effeminate balladry; the album is acceptable for a song or two but the monotony sets in with great haste and ruins what could have been an intriguing comeback album.