Gore metal legends Exhumed's sixth full-length, titled Death Revenge, features all of the disgusting, blood-soaked death metal that fans have been waiting for, then takes things a step further. The release marks the San Jose, CA band's first concept album, based on a series of brutal murders, grave robberies and ensuing grisly dissections in Edinburgh, Scotland in the late 1820s. The result is much darker and more sinister than some of Exhumed's previous material.
"Death Revenge Overture" sets the scene for the album with an eerie classical intro before unleashing an onslaught of galloping riffs and pummelling aggression on "Defenders of the Grave." Tracks like "Lifeless" and "Night Work" feature tons of macabre melodies and progressive solos, while cuts like "The Harrowing" and "A Funeral Party" are straight-up filthy headbangers.
The album is filled with blood-curdling growls and powerful drumming, which is to be expected from Matt Harvey and company, but it still feels fresh and compelling. And while Exhumed have always had a theatrical aspect to them, Death Revenge has brought out a more pensive side of the band. It was an ambitious undertaking and it paid off, proving just how much psychotic creativity they still have to offer.
(Relapse)"Death Revenge Overture" sets the scene for the album with an eerie classical intro before unleashing an onslaught of galloping riffs and pummelling aggression on "Defenders of the Grave." Tracks like "Lifeless" and "Night Work" feature tons of macabre melodies and progressive solos, while cuts like "The Harrowing" and "A Funeral Party" are straight-up filthy headbangers.
The album is filled with blood-curdling growls and powerful drumming, which is to be expected from Matt Harvey and company, but it still feels fresh and compelling. And while Exhumed have always had a theatrical aspect to them, Death Revenge has brought out a more pensive side of the band. It was an ambitious undertaking and it paid off, proving just how much psychotic creativity they still have to offer.