The word exuvia refers to the outer skin that's shed by creatures like arachnids, crustaceans and insects, giving way for a new stage of life. It's the perfect title for CAGE FIGHT's new, second album, "Exuvia", that finds the band in a time of change. CAGE FIGHT is a London-based Hardcore/Thrash Metal band formed in early 2021 by TESSERACT guitarist James Monteith and bassist Jon Reid, with vocals from Rachel Aspe (ex-ETHS). When they started, the idea they had was to use the band as an outlet for all the frustrations that the COVID-19 lockdown brought along. That resulted in the release of their self-titled debut album "Cage Fight" in May 2022. We've gone forward another four years before the follow up hit the streets on May 1^st 2026. "Exuvia" is a prime example of how you mix contemporary Modern Metal with Hardcore and Thrash Metal, whilst maintaining an organic feel instead of sounding too mechanical or sterile.

First off, I have to take my hat off to the singer/screamer/squealer/grunter Rachel Aspe. With her extreme diversity in her voice she is able to make the sounds that are as apt as possible at the moments that are asking for them. Outstanding achievement, if you ask me. But let's not forget the musicians she is fronting, as they all are bloody good in their own way. The drums and bass are providing the ultimate solidity for the guitars and voice to lean on and do their thing. And without exception everyone is a pure master in their own way. That could have resulted in a lot of muscle-showing instrumentally as well as vocally, but it hasn't. It actually brings us a whole lot of good songs that have a heads, tails and good bodies that make sense. It's good to see a new band that doesn't feel the need to go to extremes to prove themselves.

As for the songs themselves, they are a pure combination of Thrash Metal, Hardcore Metal and Metalcore, all with a very contemporary Modern Metal sound. And they all are of a very good (or should I call it high?) standard. I know that the good old fashioned twentieth century Thrasher might not appreciate what CAGE FIGHT has achieved on "Exuvia", but I do know that those who have transferred with the music into the twenties of the twenty-first century will be able to judge all the music on offer here accordingly. And will have to admit that this actually is very good indeed.