Hutch takes a listen to a brand new band out of Cardiff…

Signs of old age fall too quickly these days. When a band’s details are only on Instagram and TikTok, and you can’t even decipher their real names because they only use their own handles, it might be time to put the quill and parchment aside. 

Such is the case with this three-track demo from Cardiff thrash band Exaust, who comprise @evan.100, @daniscool on rhythm guitar and @that 80s thrasher on drums. I’m evidently out of touch with much of the scene in my home city for I had no idea who Exaust are, apart from their name appearing as support to a rather tasty event on 6th October when ukthrashers favourites Madicide headline Fuel Rock Club.

Sadly, I’m away on that date so these guys will have to wait for a Hutch live review. There are three tracks which are unashamedly old school in style and delivery. The bass runs through each track Frankie Bello style, the band have an energised tempo and the vocals are choked, gargled, but visceral. Toxic War has the chunky stomp of all the bands you’d expect. It’s unadulterated worship of 1986 after all. There’s enough to make you remain interested even if there is nothing original whatsoever. Combination of Slayer, Exodus, Anthrax, Testament, hell, the list goes on and on, with a quick cross into the death metal genre at the start of The Suffering. Final song The Pharoh is probably the best of the bunch, thanks in part to the changes in tempo that make it more interesting to listen to. 

What this release, if it is indeed a formal release is crying out for, is some searing lead guitar. The songs feel unfinished, which is perhaps correct. I suppose the challenge for these youngsters is to move to a more creative style. The thrash revival continues apace, but many bands are realising that you need to add a little more to the mix if you want to grab the attention.

I’ll use two bands as illustration. The downright brutal assault of Hellfekted, and the more mainstream groove of Imperium. Both superb bands, now targeting a different audience whilst taking those early supporters with them. So, plenty of promise in these three tracks, but nothing that is going to set the world on fire … yet.

They should be good fun live, and I hope to catch them before long so I can report back to ukthrashers HQ

Exhaust – Thrash Is Back was released on the 20th September… go take a listen on Spotify HERE and keep your eyes out for the new wave of welsh thrash metal!