Holy shit, I can't believe I've been listening to this band for half a decade and never realised their tradition of using the previous album's title as the name of the current album's closing track. Go on, have a look if you're as dumb and unobservant as me. The finale to 2017's New War Order is "Human Project"; the last song on 2015's The Human Project is "Brutal State"... and so on. Therefore, naturally, the brand new release by Greek thrashers Exarsis, Sentenced To Life, culminates with a song called "New War Order". It doesn't bode well for me, as a music critic, to miss points like these as they are the details which help characterize a band. Thankfully, this quintet have other ways of identifying themselves - and that's one thing I will give them full-marks for. Despite the legions of cut 'n' paste new wave thrash artists, these Greeks are instantly identifiable. Whether it be by the vibrant artwork, the speed factor, or Nick J's vocals, Sentenced To Life is unmistakably Exarsis.
I have my issues with this speedy five-piece outfit from Athens. Issues which I always hope will be ironed out with each subsequent release. They haven't been, but in a way I respect the shit out of that. In a world rife with pandering, Exarsis stick to their guns like fucking superglue. My criticisms echo those of many reviewers before me, but good on these guys for not giving two shits and carrying on thrashing their asses off like lunatics. That, oddly, is my problem with this band. They just won't slow the fuck down! You press play, the disc starts spinning, and the quintet rocket off at the speed of light - knocking you on your ass and slapping you in the face ceaselessly for the record's entire duration. Bear in mind, this is no brief crossover joke EP. This is the band's fifth full-length album and, just like the previous 4, it's [] minutes of political thrash metal that redefines the word 'relentless'. It can pass like a blur, leaving one with almost no opinions besides 'well, that was fast'. However, it's difficult to actively dislike Exarsis because...well...they're just so damn good.
The production quality is great. Everything, despite the insane velocity, is crystal clear. It ensures original member Chris (bass) is constantly audible; Panos' drums are both crisp and impactful; and the dual guitar attack of Kostis & Christos has a splendid tone. I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is my favourite Exarsis album, period. For one overriding reason: they do slow down. Such moments are sparse but at least they're there. Sentenced To Life is structured in such a way that respite comes at just the right point, and the whole album flows better thanks to a bit of careful planning and positioning. Intro track, "Cen$ored", sets the mood for a record of this sub-genre perfectly and actually makes me chuckle considering I feel very strongly about what it's getting at. The inevitable thrash metal onslaught ensues, but is brilliantly interrupted at the 4:30 mark of "The Truth Is No Defense" by a half-time, martial breakdown which absolutely wrecks my neck. Easily my favourite moment on the whole album.
Other highlights include the eerie clean-picking interlude "The Drug..." whose follow-on track, "...Against My Fear", takes a more stately approach (by Exarsis standards, anyway), until the last verse where some utterly manic guest vocals rear their heads and leave me wide-eyed. At least I think they're guest vocals. They sound oddly familiar. Perhaps the guy from Bio-Cancer? Either way, they're completely fucking mental. The last riff of closing number "New War Order" is another ripper which is more measured than the rest of the maelstrom. These moments all stand out because they actually deviate from the 'fast isn't fast enough' method. In terms of the balls-to-the-wall thrash assaults, "Aiming The Eye" is easily the best of the lot thanks to its catchy patterns and memorable gang vocals. Speaking of vocals, I'm really glad there are so many gang shouts to lessen the effect of Nick J's voice. Sounding something akin to Heathen's David White on helium, he is a big divisive factor among many critics.
The rough edge of Nick's high-pitched wails have been smoothed over time, making his pipes incredibly piercing. It makes me wince at times, especially when he's harmonized with himself and the pitching is dodgy. This is infuriating because his lower range is quite admirable. Just stay down there for god's sake! That said, just as I explained previously, I congratulate him for just bombarding us with the voice he's been given. It's unapologetic and that deserves respect. In conclusion, Sentenced To Life throws everything at us, but not quite the kitchen sink. There is slightly more restraint here but it's still a hell of a lot to take in in one crazy whirlwind. Panos' performance behind the kit is phenomenal, the gang-shouts are great fun, there are some awesome riffs, and this is overall an incredibly 'thrashy' thrash metal record. But it is Exarsis, and they don't give a fuck what you think. So prepare your ears and neck.
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=UdZI-DxIqD0
