Exciter

Emerging out of the gate way back in 1983, along with the likes of Metallica and Exodus, Ottawa's Exciter are generally accredited as being a part of the first wave of thrash metal. That said, their fifth eponymous album was released originally in 1988, after many changes both internally and within the metallic climate. While other acts grew heavier/less influenced by the NWOBHM's tinny production and screeching vocals, Exciter were drawn ever closer to them. That's what makes this straight up — as in, no extra tracks — re-release such an unusual choice. As a standalone effort, it is of reticent interest. The overall feel is akin to a moderately faster Accept-meets-Judas Priest attack with vocals that soar and wail beyond appreciable levels. To diehard late '70s/early '80s metal heads, the album came too late to be slotted amongst the band's finest. To successive generations, its inescapable, albeit unintentional, cock rock atmosphere makes it too dated to fully embrace. It's not a horrible experience but really only provokes an unmoved, "well, at least I can say I've heard it" sentiment and little more.