Exterminus is one of many bands in an
ever-growing UK thrash scene. “Digital Downfall” is the band’s first EP, and
manages to make a pretty decent mark in just 4 songs. As you might have guessed from the artwork (which has a character who is reminiscent of Denial’s “Antichrist
President”), Exterminus is not the most original of bands. They are however,
not the most derivative either. In other words, their riffs don’t push the
boundaries of thrash, but it doesn’t feel like you’ve heard them many times
before. Comparing them to a long-lost 80s thrash band would be accurate because
there were a lot of bands back then with unique riffing styles.
Vocally, Exterminus goes for a death/thrash
approach, leaning more towards the former than the latter, though he has both
abilities (the title track being a good example where he pulls off a more
typical thrash shout alongside his more common guttural). Aside from the
singing, Exterminus brings everything you could want on a thrash album. There
are longer melodic instrumental breaks, showing off enjoyable guitar play, with
minimal focus on extreme technical acrobatics. Speed is in no shortage
throughout the release, making for a headbanging good time!
There isn’t too much more to say about “Digital
Downfall” because Exterminus has their own indefinable qualities. Many of my
favourite thrash bands are groups who were fond of the major tropes of the
subgenre, but who you could recognize instantly (Intruder, Evildead, Gammacide,
and Hallows Eve all come to mind). Exterminus continues on in this vein because
as soon as you hear their music, you know it’s them. This is the key ingredient
for remaining fresh amongst an occasionally stale thrash crowd.
Be sure to check out and like Exterminus on Facebook!
Highlights
"Digital Downfall"
"Deceiving Nature"
Final Rating
4.1/5 or 82%.
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