EXUMER have returned with their first studio album since 2019's Hostile Defiance: 2026's Death Mask Messiah. In the press release, founding vocalist Mem V. Stein states, "We are a lot more aggressive than on Hostile Defiance and are returning to a more 'in your face' style on Death Mask Messiah," going on to say, "we wanted to sound like a contemporary band while maintaining the spirit and our musical heritage of the 1980s." That's a tough balance for any thrash band that's been releasing records for over four decades.
Aggressive, fast, and catchy as fuck riffs steep this offering in an old-school German and East Coast thrash coating that makes it instantly headbangable and a worthwhile listen. The production does sound markedly improved over the previous record, giving it more weight and heaviness in tone. Standout tracks include "Blinding Skies," "Allocated Savagery," and "Fratricide."
The reality is that as a reviewer from the Bay Area, when I review a thrash album I use tried-and-true strategies. I close my eyes, crank the record as loud as possible, and ask myself a straightforward question: do I see myself trying to destroy my fellow heshers in the pit on a random Tuesday night in the City (San Francisco)? In this case it's a resounding yes (I'll deal with the back pain Wednesday morning). That makes the record an easy recommendation for any fellow thrasher.
I can't say this is a perfect record, and I do wonder about its staying power in terms of individual tracks. The vocals are still great, yet they lack some of the signature screams of previous records. Some of that must come down to normal aging, and in places it fits the overall production anyway. The lyrics are not particularly impactful, and some themes read a little old-man-yells-at-clouds. Not likely to be an issue for most longtime fans.
TLDR
Don't think Just pit is pretty sick.
EXUMER — Death Mask Messiah
Death Mask Messiah is out August 28, 2026 via Metal Blade Records.
Promo provided by Earsplit PR and Metal Blade Records.