During the early days of the 80s, acts as OSTROGOTH, CROSSFIRE, ACID, CYCLONE and others used to show the strength of Belgian Metal scene. But as time passed by and attention shifted to USA Thrash Metal growing scene, it seemed that things there cooled down. And some bands choose the worst moment possible to release albums: when USA charts were taken by Alternative Rock tendencies. This made many good bands’ releases to never earn the attention they deserved. And in 1991, the quintet ASPHYXIA tried its lucky with its only full-length, “Exit: Reality” that is being reissued now.

Reminding things: on 1991, “Metallica” made METALLICA a huge name, and other Thrash Metal bands on USA had to follow the tendency (it was a do or die thing), and things had frozen on Germany. In other words: to stay on a USA classic Thrash Metal way influenced by early works of METALLICA, MEGADETH, EXODUS and others (in other words, the combination of aggressiveness with melodic care) was a suicide, but the quintet made it. And their music is technical and aggressive, but done with extreme care on the arrangements, with tons of energy and personality, what many Thrash Metal fans would ask for, but found a wall on the musical market changes back then. André Gielen worked as producer and on the sound engineering, giving the band a very good sonority that obeys the models heard on albums as “Peace Sells…” and “Fabulous Desaster”. In other words: it’s aggressive and nasty, but with a defined and clean outfit. And the artwork of Eric Philippe for the cover is really great. But it’s clear that a remastering would be welcome.

Today, for some people, “Exit: Reality” can sound anachronic, but the valuable contribution of “Capital Punishment”, “Violence First”, “Slice of Death”, “Health for Sale”, “Paranoia Time”, “The One Who Minds the Worm”, “One Big Family”, “Where Shadows are Dark”, “Mr. Pain” and “No Thanks” is still strong and aggressive, with very good vocals, sharp and insane guitar riffs and oppressive bass guitar and drums playing making the happiness of Thrash Metal fans. And a curious fact: the bass player Christian Olde Wolbers (today on VIO-LENCE and known for his playing on acts as CYCLONE and FEAR FACTORY, and who played live guitars for KORN on 2006 and bass guitar for OVERKILL in 2024’s North American tour) succeeded Calo after the album was released.

Today, “Exit: Reality” stays as a legacy for ASPHYXIA’s existence. And if you’re a Thrash Metal maniac, you must hear it!