The master of re-releasing cults classics of many various genres Vic Records are back with another 2016 release - this time a compilation - featuring the Belgium based band EXOTO!

Formed in 1989, they broke up a few times - for example the same year when they were formed, and then also in 1996 - and everything seemed lost, but they gathered the band again in 2013, broke up a year after, and since last year, they are active again. What a band! If you're unfamiliar with EXOTO, although you shouldn't be (especially if you're from Belgium) I'll get to it quickly. What I'm about to show you is a compilation of their two infamous demos (created back in the 90's) titled "And Then You Die" (from 1991) and "The Fifth Season" (1992). Sounds familiar, right? (Hint: it's in the title!)

Basically, Vic Records released a compilation of 15 tracks, some are studio based ones, and some are live recorded ones.  To be precise, the first 10 are the ones you should expect to sound like studio recordings, and the last 5 are the live tracks; however, give everything a try, since we're talking about a re-master after all.

"Into The Ritual/Reincarnation" weren't originally together back on the original demo, but I understand the reason why they were put together, since the intro was pretty short (still is) and it seemed ideal to combine it with a nasty track, so they did exactly that. I bet you're thinking that the intro will sound boring, but I assure you it's not - because it will give you the absolute creeps, just like it did to me, and after a minute and a half of listening to that noise, more brutal sounds came out of the speakers, but this time in the form of some legit music, and it's nothing less than some fast, evil, and brutal Death/Thrash Metal!

I actually took the time to check out both editions, and I must say that the sound quality is much more improved on the re-release, however, the rawness still remains utterly complete - not that that's a bad thing; since, this band is playing nothing but raw music. The tracks are brutal, the drums are great (fast and on point) the vocals are even faster and the riffs are not spared - or should I say the guitars, since the members are shredding on what they are playing with full force!

So, I'll be precise, if you love (and you do) old-school-influenced Death and Thrash Metal mixtures, or are a fan of the following bands: MASSACRA, DEMOLITION HAMMER, PESTILENCE, and DEATH, give EXOTO a listen, you won't regret it; I swear! Also, check out their label, they are working hard to bring forgotten and infamous masterpieces of the Metal genre back to life. I love this label, and you guys should too!