EXELERATE – Exelerate
Release Date: 10th March 2023
Label: From The Vaults
Bandcamp
Genre: Power Thrash, Hair Metal, Prog Metal.
FFO: Anthrax, Megadeth, DIO, Dream Theater.
Review By: Kara Ketchum
EXELERATE is kicking it old-school. Reviving the hair metal and power thrash aura of the ‘80s but compounding the complexity, their debut album Exelerate is ready to melt faces just like the gods of metal we worship today commanded. With an emphasis on live performance, it’s easy to imagine anyone with a love of good ol’ rock ‘n roll finding something to headbang to.
The opening track “Arrival” is certainly that – and sets high expectations for the rest of the album. Soaring vocals, rich guitar, and dutiful drumming are just how metal should be. With an abrupt start, “No Escape” comes in swinging at full throttle. With a rather funky riff and an absolutely righteous chorus, the song speeds toward a gnarly guitar solo. The opening third of the album ends with “Spawn of Satan.” It wouldn’t be a thrash album without a little Satanic panic, and this song does not disappoint. The track is relentless, a race from opening to the chequered finish 7 and a half minutes later (with a pit-stop breakdown and solo towards the end, of course.)
The next trio of songs starts with “Release,” which is raw and glorious. This song features my favorite fretwork on the album, as it’s varied and technically sound. It was a tough choice between this song and the next “Children of the Sun” which takes on a more brutal stance. With sludgier strings and a symphonic narrative, this would be the song I’d want to see live the most. To follow up, “God of Man” starts as a ballad, but then forms into an anthem. It’s clear that each band member is a master of their instruments,
The back third of the album starts with “Lethal Assault.” It lulls you into a false sense of calmness before beginning its march forward, with a melodic twist. That is, until the heartbeat-raising verses rush you toward the chorus. The penultimate track, “In Between Insanity” has a meaty bite to it. It possesses a more rounded wall of sound that is aggressive without being overbearing. This song is also my favorite vocal performance on the album – haunting and passionate. The final song on the album, “Epilogue”, probably sounds like it would be a chance to breathe, judging by the name. Well, when that bell rings, you know it’s not quite.
EXELERATE isn’t reinventing the wheel here, but definitely improving on it. The album feels fresh without feeling anachronistic, and will definitely be a treat to see live. A big congratulations to the band for their debut release! They will be a band to keep your eye on in the coming years. 
(4 / 5)
