Los Angeles-based maestros of neo-classical extreme metal, Exmortus, make a triumphant return with their sixth album, "Necrophony." After four years in the making, this album signifies a savage rebirth and fierce renewal for the band. The release of "Legions of the Undead" EP in 2019 hinted at a significant turning point for the Angelenos, and their emergence from the challenges of the pandemic is marked by newfound strength, speed, and intensity. Signing on with global metal powerhouse Nuclear Blast, Exmortus delivers a passionate and furious experience, with the lead-off single "Oathbreaker" merely scratching the surface of the darkness within "Necrophony."
Band leader, guitarist and vocalist Jadran 'Conan' Gonzalez shares insights into the album, stating, "We wanted everything on this album to be a fresh take of what we envisioned Exmortus to be. This new material is a sort of rebirth of our approach to writing and performing our music, born out of reflection during the isolation period of the pandemic." Founded in 2002, Exmortus has crafted a unique path with well-received demos and EPs leading to their debut, "In Hatred’s Flame," in 2008. Gonzalez, flanked by specialists Phillip Nuñez (bass), Chase Becker (guitars), and Adrian Aguilar (drums), has since released four more fan-favorite full-lengths and toured with the likes of Amon Amarth, Obituary, and Death Angel. "Necrophony," a fusion of "necro" and "phony" (or "dead sounds"), showcases Exmortus at their most significant and wickedly restless.
The band's aim for a fresh take is evident in the careful crafting of their next-gen sonic fingerprint, traced back to the preludes "Masquerade," "Overture," and the intro to "Children of the Night." Exmortus expands on motifs by combining Viennese sophistication with metal might, cleverly using the album's musical theme throughout its 12-song range. The two epics, "Darkest of Knights" and "Children of the Night," offer a journey into the world of storytelling, with the former portraying a tragic hero committing atrocities and the latter depicting a victim of vampire/werewolf transformation relishing in a newfound predatory rebirth.
While earlier albums leaned heavily on heroic fantasy and sword & sorcery themes, "Necrophony" takes a darker turn, delving into Lovecraftian and Tolkien-esque tales, embracing a blacker and more nefarious aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from movies, literature, and video games, Exmortus infuses tracks like "Mind of Metal" (Tolkien inspiration), "Children of the Night" (Bram Stoker’s Dracula), and "Mask of Red Death" (a tribute to Poe’s short story) with rich storytelling elements. The band also reflects on life, personal thoughts, and feelings about death, fear, and perseverance throughout the album.
Engineered, produced, mixed, and mastered by Zack Ohren, a trusted collaborator on their previous albums, "Necrophony" was fast-tracked in just under two weeks at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, CA. The result is a virtuosic metal masterpiece that leaves fans battered, bloodied, and hungry for more violent opulence. "Oathbreaker," "Mind of Metal," and "Storm of Strings" stand as beacons of Exmortus' ascent to extreme metal's upper echelons. As you listen to the darkened echoes of these tracks, bow in reverence to the high-flying, six-stringed dynasts of Exmortus.
Exmortus' "Necrophony" is available now on vinyl and other formats on their label, Nuclear Blast, the world's biggest independent heavy metal label. For more information and links to purchase, click here.
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