ALBUM REVIEW: Molten Giant – Exocrine
By its very nature, the concepts and themes found within death metal’s lyrical content are often as striking and nasty as the music itself. They go hand-in-hand. That’s why a concept about a nuclear war between a gigantic lava monster and the surviving human beings found on French technical death shredders EXOCRINE‘s latest effort Molten Giant is no way out of the ordinary, rather, sitting comfortably within the conventions of the style.
Sure, having a metal as fuck concept for the album may be enough to draw your attention but fail in the critical yet simple notion of having good songs then you can count the seconds in which this record will be forgotten. Fortunately for EXOCRINE, it’s quite the opposite as the bludgeoning opening of Scorched Human Society quickly demonstrates that the band mean the business. Blistering drumming, dazzling leads and a barrage of sonic hellfire blow you off your feet as the band launch into first gear without stalling.
After such a ruthless opening, you’d be forgiven for anticipating the rest of Molten Giant to follow suit, and whilst the band rarely pull their punches, as the record progresses the intricacies to EXOCRINE‘s musical arsenal stand to shine. From the snappy and groove-laden riff assault of Hayato that gets the head banging to the subtle atmospherics utilised in the background of Backdraft‘s complicated technical guitar wizardry, the band are displaying they are so much more than a one trick pony.
The title track lives up to its namesake thanks to a colossal combination from drummer Michaël Martin, who keeps the pass thundering forward at 100mph, and lead guitarist Sylvain Octor-Perez who impresses yet again with some breathtaking solo work. For the most part, Flamewalkers is one of the album’s highlights thanks to a culmination of EXOCRINE‘s strongest musical qualities. Blistering double bass drumming fuses effortlessly with slamming riffs that pack a punch, the lead guitar work is once again impressive and Jordy Bease‘s guttural vocal lines hold their own against the chaos. The only downside here comes with the closing section of symphonic ambience that takes up the track’s final minute and buckles the momentum completely. It feels like an unnecessary addition, one which is supposed to build suspense, but rather, kills the mood abruptly.
Fortunately, Lavaburst picks up the pace right from the off thanks to its mindbogglingly complicated riffing, rapid-fire guttural blasts and solo play that would sit comfortably on one of THE FACELESS‘ records. Equally, the two-pronged assault of Behind The Wall and Shape of New World serve up a fitting finale for Molten Giant. Whilst Flamewalkers‘ conclusion felt like a misfire, in the case of Behind The Wall, the one and a half minute suspense builder works a treat that gets the heart racing before the final track roars into life. And what a final track it is. Clocking in at just shy of a mighty eight and a half minutes, EXOCRINE go for the jugular. Riffs slam harder than before, solos continue to dazzle and the structure and pacing of the track is exquisite. A fitting conclusion to the record.
Molten Giant will prick your attention based on its Kaiju worshipping concept but once the record begins to unwind, you’ll find there is so much quality on offer here. With their third offering, EXOCRINE have forged a solid slab of modern technical death metal, one which boasts the proficiency of their craft and yet, one which will slam you into oblivion. It’s a wild and exhilarating ride, strap yourself in.
Rating: 8/10
Molten Giant is out now via Unique Leader Records.
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