Die Inside

On Exhale's first demo three types of vocals can be found: screams, growls and some distorted narrating one. While the latter two are of a kind I can appreciate, the remaining is ambivalent; to say the least. Aggressive and hardcore influenced bursts might describe them properly, but it seems to be a matter of preferences whether these can be enjoyed or not. Moreover, as the growls and screams appear succinctly in the tracks as well as in all three tracks, it is not possible to ignore this facet as it is a core aspect of the band's oeuvre. So, in case you do not like them, this demo gives you a hard time, then.

Aside from this issue the music can be pretty much enjoyed as it offers a neat combination of brutal death metal with grindcore facets. The band avoided the pitfall of being too monotonous but ventured instead towards the realm and fast and aggressive music with short and slow intervals. The riffs are pretty neat, the music has a lot of drive and power and even the sample which open Decapitate is not bad. So, despite the short length of less than ten minutes the listener, a lot is actually offered and the overall performance is on a good level; you can hear that the musicians are no beginners.

So, those who have a higher level of tolerance towards screams and can also enjoy a mixture of brutal death metal and grindcore should give this demo a try.

The CD and inlay – no lyrics – are printed (colour).

Recommended tracks: Decapitated