Exxxekutioner - Fear The Priest [EP] [2014]

Theres rarely ever a time a local band stir up such a great fuss about an EP launch, for it to not pass as just another date on the the already overflowing calendar. However, Exxxekutioners mention of the production of their debut record earlier this year has had fans salivating for its release ever since. Aptly titled 'Fear The Priest' in the vain of the bands focus in horror and the occult, the EP offers six deadly tracks of the finest old school sound you'll find around today. Exxxekutioner are certainly not trying to hoax anyone in to thinking their an innovative and 'hip' new band. Even showing love for their influences with a thanks to legends Venom on the inner sleeve of the tape. But their also not pretending to be them, and instead forging their own sound from old influences.

I heard they like Venom!

Released earlier this month to the masses, the EP kicks in with the rather haunting build up you'd expect to hear as the title rolls to an '80's goretastic horror movie. Eventually kicking in with a classically styled drum intro that make way for the rests of the instruments and vocals. 'March To Death' certainly offers a lot of catchiness musically. The riffs keep nice and varied throughout. Not being repetitive or overused, and the middle break to the song leading up to the rather bang your head heavy ending make for a great first impression.

Following up is the rather anviguously titled 'B.I.B'' offering much the same as the opening track. Catchy riffs, fast drums and gruff vocals. It's by now you can start to appreciate the choice of live recording as a way to produce the album. Leaving all the rough edges that are usually cut out of today's crisp and clean production standards helps offer a much more full and warm feeling to the production. One that is pronounced and unique, rather than compressed and a bit too clinical. Think of the production a really good steak. Pure cut, and organic.

'Siren Of Divinity' is next up and again offers much of the same. A good solid structuring with great use of riffs and hooks. You can tell the EP isn't going to be massively varied by this point. But the introduction of more melodic passages in this track, and creeping in new features with each track help keep the songs defined and split. And also keeping from the usual Thrash curse of monotony.

Various formats the EP is available on. Patch comes free with the tape version.
Photo credit: Paul Cave.

It's hear we reach the title track 'Fear The Priest' and intensity levels reach peak point. Usually title tracks are the one often slated for being to sterile and safe. But instated it feels like Fear The Priest is the one that sums up Exxekutioner the best, and brings together all their good points. It might be straight up old school worship first hand. But the sheer power and execution (yes, that's a fucking pun!) is done so well, that it feels the band have really quickly found a great niche.

'Maniac Asylum' follows, one of the bands oldest tracks. Straight up frantic from start to finish, the track blazes through some meaty and heavy riffs and an unrelenting pounding of the drums. Not letting off for one second.

The first we heard of Exxxenutioner in the form of 'Black Witchery' closes out the EP. The song which lent it's name to the bands first demo, now playing the swan song to their first official release. It's not actually until I heard this song that I heard one missing element among all songs before it. A guitar solo. And to be honest the fact that there were no solos on the songs before wouldn't even of hit me if I didn't hear it on Black Witchery. The full and heavy sound often being enough to fill my appetite without the need to build up to a solo. Tracks often fulfil there means and provide a rich spectrum without the need for an offering of lead guitar insanity. It really plays testament to them that the short punchy tracks they have written provide an EP's worth of material without solos, and still be a full product.

Overall 'Fear The Priest' is a definite recommendation to any fans of old school metal in general. The mix of Black, Thrash and Death influences make it widely appealing to those with a disposition for metals roots. Maybe a little out of place to anyone wanting a clean cut metal experience. Buy then if you're after that, you should probably re-evaluate your life choices. Whichever you may be though, do give the EP a listen and help support underground UK metal. I know it's an often overused statement, but when you keep your arses as busy as the guys in Exxekutioner, playing shows everywhere they can for fans, and getting straight on writing and recording, they deserve it. Ulthar Records are currently doing a great job helping the band along, sorting recording and distribution, and we certainly want to do our part too! Check out the links below, and get on it!

http://www.ultharrecords.com/products/531156-exxxekutioner-fear-the-priest-ep

L-R of the shade brigade!: Ryan Council (Bass), Cliff Edge (Vocals)Liam Waring (Drums), Mike Woods (Guitar)