EXCITER
Death Machine
2010

Shane Pinnegar

A brutal old school thrash album from one of the original speed metal masters, Exciter take no prisoners on “Death Machine”, showing kids half their age the way to do it properly.

The thing that new death and thrash metal bands seem to forget is that the originators of the sound could play hard and fast, but not forget melody and tunefulness, not to mention lyrics that are actually understandable.

I barely listen to any new thrash music because it’s all cookie monster vocals and death growls – when relatively new singer Kenny Winter belts out I can understand him AND have a catchy tune to sing along to, all while Rick Charron pounds his kit like Animal on Viagra, and founding member John Ricci peels off classic metal thrashing mad riffs and solos.

The title track is a powerhouse of metal thrills, ‘Power & Domination’ is a slow, grinding slice of metal intensity, ‘Demented Prisoners’ is pure old school and worth the price of admission alone, Winter’s wails counterpointing the riffage masterfully. ‘Slaughtered In Vain’ too is carried by Winter’s yelps and rumbling bass courtesy of the other relative new boy, Rob Cohen.

“Death Machine” closes with the mighty blast of ‘Skull Breaker’ then a hidden guitar solo in which Ricci shreds his fingers raw.

Exciter have been reformed since 2008, but in case you’ve missed the headlines – they’re back, and they still love it loud. Had I found this album earlier Id’ve definitely included it in my best of 2010 (Despite the tacky puerile cover!)