Xoth – Exogalactic
Release Date: 3rd November 2023
Label: Dawnbreed Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death Metal, Thrash Metal.
FFO: Horrendous, Tomb Mold, Vektor, Vorga.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
I was there when Xoth released Interdimensional Invocations, and it easily stood out as one of the finest releases of 2019. Blending old-school Death Metal, Thrash Metal, and a deep-seated affection for retro sci-fi, Xoth provided a fresh perspective in the growing trend of space metal that has gained momentum. Naturally, my excitement was off the charts when I had the opportunity to review Exogalactic. The band went the extra mile by sending us a remastered version well before the review deadline, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to their craft.
Exogalactic offers a well-rounded and consistent musical journey, there’s no denying that. The tracks are straightforward, brimming with infectious sections, and despite introducing more technical elements than its predecessor, it never veers into mindless shredding or repetitiveness. Xoth has managed to increase the complexity without sacrificing the sheer enjoyment in the music, a feat that’s incredibly hard to pull off. I found myself revisiting the album multiple times, partly because I’m a sound nerd and wanted to compare the two album versions I had (pre- and post-remastering). It was a breeze, considering the album’s brevity and high-energy nature. At times, I was left wondering if it was already over, but simultaneously, the conclusion was so oddly satisfying that one extra minute might have disrupted the experience.
While space metal has seen a surge in activity in recent years, few bands have transported me into the cosmos quite like Xoth. They possess an exceptional talent for crafting vivid imagery with their music. If Interdimensional Invocations felt like an alien invasion, Exogalactic propels you even further into the cosmic abyss. Xoth accomplishes for Death Metal what Vorga and Mare Cognitum have done for Black Metal. The secret to this achievement seems to lie in the infectious and distinctive guitar sound the band has painstakingly honed. It gives ample room for the music to breathe. However, credit must be given to every member here; the drums hit harder than ever, there’s intriguing vocal experimentation, solid bass lines (though maybe I liked their previous bass work better), and tight songwriting. What’s not to love?
That said, I wouldn’t claim that the album jumps around too hastily, but for some reason, the middle tracks lacked a bit of groove. While I enjoyed them, they don’t stick in my memory as readily as Reptilian Bloodsport or my personal favorite, Map to the Stars, Monument to the Ancients. Exogalactic hits like a bolt from the blue, and I believe it will gradually grow on me with time, even if some tracks may not incite the same fervor as others. Moreover, it’s a tough act to follow their previous offering.
Nonetheless, Exogalactic establishes that Xoth is more than a one-hit wonder and is poised to join the upper echelons of space metal. It certainly merits a spot in the top five within this emerging niche genre for the year. I will undoubtedly revisit this beast and determine if it secures a place in my final top ten for the year. If you’re seeking an exhilarating journey to the stars that leaves you in awe while keeping your heart pounding, then Exogalactic is a must-have; it never disappoints!
(4 / 5)
