EP Review: Exorcism - Spectral Aggression
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
Hailing from the birthplace of heavy metal, we have Brummie thrashers Exorcism, who have wasted little time in releasing their debut EP, “Spectral Aggression”. On first listen, it really is a throwback to the bygone era of early thrash metal that emanated from across the pond in the Bay Area of San Francisco.
With Freddie Widdows on vocals and lead guitar there’s a punishing and relentless feel to their music, as they look to combine the speed and energy of thrash metal with the crushing brutality of death metal. And so far, it seems to work for them very well. The EP title track opens proceedings, and it delivers on their onslaught right from the off, with pummelling drums from Will Watson, a real feature of the song.
They then proceed with “Burnt at the Stake” and an opening solo that reminds me of early Testament, then then gives way to a kick ass rhythm, that will see many heads being banged when it’s played live. It’s a short, punchy song, full of attitude and aggression, which is primarily what the band are about, and then the solo comes back in to propel the song forward.
The quartet are completed by Tom McIver on bass and Will Butler on rhythm guitar and has the lead single “Strike of the Match” coming next. There’s a delicious bass part in the middle of the song competing with the drums, that prepares you for the guitar battle to come. They are writing songs that are drawing influence from their heroes, whilst bringing the vitality and energy of youthful pups that the scene needs.
Having only formed in the summer of 2023, they have earned a reputation for their blistering live shows, and with final song “Lost in the Dark” it’s easy to see how they have forged this status, and the song is a no frills, heads down headbanger of a track. I like the tempo change midway, allowing McIver on bass to shine through once again, and then the riff hits you once more, so a circle pit is mandatory when you hear this. Overall, it’s a cracking EP to start off with and I look forward to watching out for Exorcism in the future.
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