Thrash Speed Burn

Legendary Canadian speed/thrash metal pioneers Exciter are back with a new album. Musically, not only is Thrash Speed Burn a throwback to the Exciter of old, new vocalist Kerry Winter puts the band back on course with a more screaming style of vocal; very reminiscent of original vocalist/drummer Dan Beehler. Formed in the early 80's by guitarist John Ricci, drummer/vocalist Dan Beehler and bassist Allen Johnson, Exciter was one of the very first speed metal bands and albums like Heavy Metal Maniac, Violence and Force and Long Live The Loud are monumental albums that helped define the speed metal genre. The band enjoyed early success with opening slots on tours with Motorhead, Mercyful Fate and Accept. Differences between the band members lead to guitarist John Ricci leaving in 1986 along with the recruiting of vocalist Rob Malnati in order to allow Dan Beehler to strictly focus on the drums. The original trio of Ricci, Beehler and Johnson re-united in 1992 for a couple of albums but once again the band fell into disarray leaving only guitarist John Ricci to continue with the Exciter name with a whole new line-up. In 2000, Blood Of Tyrants was released along with the re-recording of older classics for 2004's New Testament album. This new album, Thrash Speed Burn is Exciter's return to the fold after an over 8 year absence and along with new vocalist Kerry Winter, drummer Rick Charron, bassist Rob (Clammy) Cohen, John Ricci and company have delivered an album that sounds very much like the Exciter of the early 80's and one that long-time fans of the band are sure to eat up.

Those who know of Exciter are no doubt familiar with the huge wall of sound that this band creates. Stacks of Marshall cabinets; cranked up to deafening volume fuel the crazed riffing style of John Ricci. He prefers the classic early 80s' Venom style of riffing with no palm muting whatsoever. You can actually hear the mid range whine on his guitar sound; very familiar to those who have ever been front row at a really loud metal show. Exciter's music is a barrage of almost indiscernible speed riffing, whammy bar leads, pummelling drums and a screaming vocal style courtesy of Kerry Winter. The first 2 tracks Massacre Mountain and the title track grab you right by the throat with their speed and ferocious riffing. Trading back and forth between vocal lines and riff breaks, the chorus sections are usually backed up by huge "gang style" shouting choruses; a pattern seen for most of the songs on the album. Other barn-burners include the droning Evil One as well as Betrayal, The Punisher and Rot The Devil King. The pace is slowed slightly for tracks like In Mortal Fear, Demon's Gate and the more traditional metal sounding Hangman. Crucifixion features a slow, trudging tempo with huge and ominous heaviness. This track doesn't really work all that well and drags on a bit too long.

Exciter is an example of just how not to conduct your business affairs in the music business. Pre-dating bands like Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth by several years, Exciter has long been cited as major influence on some of those aforementioned bands. Bad business decisions, lack of label support and the fact that they were based in Canada all played a role in working against this band's success. It's great to see them still going and last year saw a few very successful festival appearances in Europe. With Thrash Speed Burn, the old Exciter is back. I much prefer more "structured" metal with some actual memorable riffs/melodic hooks etc. but I'm also willing to give credit where credit is due. Don't let my score detract you from picking up this album if you like Exciter and the raw and reckless style of early 80's speed metal.