Polish thrash metal newcomers Exul (Latin for "exile") deliver their debut album at last. They already formed in 2011, but this was released in 2022, due to all kinds of obstacles they had to conquer. So, the material herein is from a long time period, and some of the songs appeared in their 2017 demo.

The thrash metal that Exul perform is basically old style, but still sounds kind of fresh, mainly due to up-to-date production job. The musical influencers I feel here are Metallica, Paradox and Tankard (those serious moments, mind you). By mixing these three, Exul's musical output can be neatly be bundled into what can be heard on this album ('Rise again' has some strong Testament vibes in it, and one can easily excavate more influences on this album). Exul do not come up to these older bands' quality in riff or songwriting, though. However, there are many good things in their music already.

About compositions next. Two longer songs have instrumental intros; great metal build up on the opener and acoustic melancholy on the title track. Generally, the songs roll on like freight truck, as they are pretty straight and not filled with twist and turns. There are slight mutations in riffs and small bits and bops that lift the savor of the music. First, one hears them main riffs, and then starts to notice the alterations. This album wasn't an immediate bullseye, but took several spins to really show that it wasn't that simple and samey after all. 37 minutes is a suitable length for this kind of severe ear punishment.

Even though if there is older song material recycled here, it does not mean that the band sound like they ran out of steam recording their golden oldies again. No, because this platter definitely sounds brisky, but certainly not distinctive. The riffs are tight yet heavy-handed, really fucking meaty palm-muted stuff or rapidly fired strumming. It reminds me of young James Hetfield causing himself a severe tenosynovitis. The guitar solos are pretty memorable and vary from fast fret-board runs to melodic weavings. It sounds like two guys take turns and let it blaze like no tomorrow. And that's how I like it! Very metal guitar harmonies are also on the menu. Acoustic guitar intro in the title track is a good time to catch breath, since it's pretty much pedal to the metal after 2-minute build up in the opening track.

The rhythm section is sturdy. The bass guitar slap like it was played with fingers (played by other guitarist due they missed a bass player in their line-up at time of the recording). It mostly follows guitars, which makes it somewhat unheard, if not carefully listened to. The drumming is about basic metal beats; double kick drums or skank beat where needed. It is precise, so this backbone does not snap. The vocals are shouted with raspy albeit strong throat voice. There's no melody in them. They are the least vivid element in Exul's music, but far from bad. I got rid of the feeling that they aren't suitable with the music after a few listens. The lyrics aren't much to talk home about; about metal music, justice, killing and sheeple.

This album can make heads bang and fists pump in the air. Exul still have quite a way to get some truly fantastic thrash metal out, but 'Path to the Unknown' is a solid start. Hopefully the past has been cleared now and it's time for new Exul music.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/21/2023 19:05