ALBUM REVIEW: Exsequiis – Harlott
Aussie thrashers HARLOTT have continued to go from strength to strength since their emphatic arrival in 2013 with their debut album Origin. Never afraid to opt for politically charged content, the freshly released Exsequiis follows suit, shining the spotlight on the ever increasingly chaotic climate we are forced to endure on a daily basis.
Incipiam offers up a brief but ominous introductory piece that tees up the rapid shredding of Void. The signature sharp tongue of frontman Andrew Hudson possesses the ideal, vitriolic tone for an angry thrash metal record. Bordering on black metal levels of ferocity, this release is off to an incendiary start. Messiah Simplex sustains the unrelenting intensity with crushing blast beats from the starting grids. Stomping belligerence butts heads with skin searing speed with explosive results. Trial by Liar throws neck snapping hooks and adrenaline fuelled carnage into a blender and intentionally leaves the lid off, just to watch the chaos unfold. Face melting lead sequences and machine gun drumming amplify the savagery to even more maniacal levels.
The God That Knows No Name isn’t quite as frenzied as its predecessors but still comes equipped with a menacing stride and bags of groove. Emphatic drum segments enhance the tension whilst flurries of melody and impressive riffing copiously flow through its veins. Kleptogenesis dials up the aggression with frantic instrumentation as drummer Glen Trayhern‘s is mercilessly flogged to within an inch of its life. Majestic leadwork shows off the dual axemen’s blisteringly potent skillset. A Still More Glorious Dawn Awaits sinks its teeth into a feast of riffs and deliciously executed rhythms. The introduction of melodic vocals adds a fresh and exciting string to their bow which hopefully is expanded upon in the future. The Joyful Stain dishes up another mosh anthem with a further portion of addictive hooks for the headbangers to get amongst.
Endling slams its foot to the floor, charging off into the distance in a speed infused onslaught. Vice Borne has no intention of being left in the dust by its counterpart, following suit with a razor sharp riffing rampage. Exsequiis arrives on the scene like the second coming of Seasons In The Abyss before leaning into one final triumphant volley of infectious grooves.
For anyone fearing that thrash metal is an ageing genre, due to losing a lot of its key flagbearers in the not-so-distant future, take a deep breath and get HARLOTT in your headphones. Exsequiis is the result of a band who are consistently evolving into a more formidable beast with each passing release. It is about time the world started taking notice and giving them the opportunities they have rightfully earned.
Rating: 9/10
Exsequiis is out now via Metal Blade Records.
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