You wouldn't say so when you look at the names of the players, but EXMORTUS is an American Thrash Metal band. They are from Whittier in California, and they have been active for some 21 years. Nevertheless this is to be my first encounter with these guys. "Necrophony" is their sixth studio album to date, and they certainly are making their point known, at least to me. And according to the ratings I see on the Metal Archives site, they usually score quite high in the ratings by the listeners.

I can't say that this surprises me, because EXMORTUS isn't just a Thrash Metal band. No, they are not afraid to include Speed Metal, Heavy Metal. Death Metal and even some Hardrock and Hardcore elements into their music. Don't worry, the main ingredient always is Thrash, but they know how to avoid the listener getting bored by monotony, making the whole listening experience into quite a diverse one. I must admit I like that a lot, especially as the music that EXMORTUS is sending my way is very good.

These guys know how to write music, play it accordingly and make it all sound coherent and appealing. On top of that you have the perfectly complementing voice of Jadran "Conan" Gonzalez, who has that edge between Heavy and Death Metal in his voice, whilst always being understandable and distinguishable. He just adds the cherries to the Thash Metal cake that is "Necrophony". If you want me to compare it with anyone, the closest I can get are early DEATH ANGEL and CORONER. The reason I mention those is that EXMORTUS doesn't shy away from more complex structures and tempo changes. But when they do use those, it is always done in just the right way.

I have been thoroughly enjoyed playing "Necrophony" time and time again while I was walking the (little) dogs. It never became a chore to listen to EXMORTUS whenever I felt I had to. Therefore I am glad I got to review this. I will not say that EXMORTUS, or for that matter "Necrophony" will give you anything new on the horizon. What they will do, though. Is enhance your pleasure by giving you a chance to listen to a good Thrash metal album whilst entertaining your brains at the same time. And that to me always is a very good thing, as we get enough mindless to see and hear on the television and radio as it is.