New Zealand isn't exactly a powerhouse in the current metal scene, but they do have some great bands waving the flag for the old-school. Witchrist, Razorwyre and Nullifier are some that come to mind, who have already unleashed some terrific music this year, and now Exordium Mors is free to join their fellow countrymen as they attempt to conquer all across the metal underground with their brutal EP "Sacrifice, Perish and Demise." These guys play a brand of extreme metal that is absolutely punishing, dark and insane, bringing together the best qualities of their influences that they channel brilliantly throughout these three songs (there's also a super sweet cover of Venom's "Black Metal" on here too!).
The most common names that I've seen Exordium Mors compared to have been Impiety, Absu and Angelcorpse, and that would not be a stretch at all given the band's ability to create music that is pummeling and unrelenting, while also retaining an evil vibe throughout. This couldn't be more apparent than on the opening track "Sign of the Judas Liege," a song that is sure to leave a mark on the listener simply due to the sheer aggression that penetrates the mind with violent drumming, harsh growls and riffs upon riffs. While speaking of riffs, it's necessary to point out that Exordium Mors has a lot of them and a majority of them are fucking crazy. I wouldn't call this band a technical band, but there's no doubt that these guys know how to play their instruments and that they aren't just trying to create bestial music in the vein of Blasphemy or Von like everyone else; these riffs crawl along the fretboard at ridiculous speeds and are memorable too, which isn't an easy task to accomplish. "Ancestors' Call" is another stellar track that features plenty of the aforementioned brutality, but it's also one of the darker songs here as there are some tremolo sections that are haunting, very akin to bands like Watain or Immortal. "Exordium Mors" is definitely the standout track, as it mixes the darkness, intensity and violence of the other songs splendidly. "Sacrifice, Perish and Demise" is undoubtedly worth the time of any metal fan who enjoys newer music that treads its own path while also paying homage to the ancient masters, whose work courses through Exordium Mors' veins. As great as this EP is, I expect an even unholier and vile assault from these guys in the future, and what a chaotic release that will be.
Be sure to check out and like Exordium Mors on Facebook!
Highlights
"Sign of Judas Liege"
"Ancestors' Call"
"Exordium Mors"
Final Rating
4.3/5 or 86%.