I don't often get speed metal bands but they are a class of music that can be easily overlooked perhaps and maybe the sub genre itself isn't as well known, maybe it has gone underground, I guess you can only find out by checking these guys out. Speed metal can be very much the objective by this band known as EXPLORER as they have been around now since 2004, however even after their first demo in 2005, they took a few more years before an EP came in 2010. But eventually in 2011, they did finally release their debut album titled SOBER DESERVE TO DIE!! as they began their live performances as well sharing the stage with bands including; STRANA OFFICINA, SABOTAGE, MASTER, RAW POWER and DARKNESS to name a few.

After the release of their debut album, they had also released a reissue of this album, with two additional tracks, it would have been three years later that they were ready to release their sophomore album SHOUT IN THE FOG in 2014. Apparently this was heavier and much more deadlier than their debut album, as their first album was very much a very full on speed metal race of each instrument competing against one another for the lead narrative of each track. Their second album is definitely one hell of a killer album, as we hear so much pace, hardworking guitars and drums throbbing on a high energy level, but the vocals do have that 80's feel of the old school heavy rock sound.

The line up of the band is led by singer/guitarist/bassist BILLY who certainly contributes to the overall mix of the speed metal madness that is portrayed so well, then we have lead guitarist JACK, on bass guitar also we have MAIO and then finally we have NIKY on the drums backing up each album, with hardcore patterns but also teasing blast beats. Now they have released a new album which makes it their third studio album as it is titled STILL ALIVE... AND NOW? The album opens with "Laser Attack" cracks the whip of no nonsense speed metal guitars raging through with so much penetration and clear concentration. Drums are very much hitting the good spot with precision and cutting edge patterns that will do well to support the guitars as well as the vocals too. Even the contrast between the guitars is quite something else, to listen to and such good separation in the mix as we can hear them both clearly.

As drums do throw in so many fills and creative craftsmanship, they do well to mark the track with hints of thrash or maybe death metal also, but the guitars go wild as we approach the next track which is "Still Alive... And Now?". Guitars come straight in with cymbal hits, as a slow gradual crescendo is in progress, then full on hardcore riffs from guitar and vocals seem to have more fun with variation in their own pace. Drums don't go as fast but if they feel they have to quicken the tempo they have every capability of doing so, vocals also project very well as they are speaking with a bad ass attitude. Guitars have a short solo section before the vocals return briefly as we head right into the third track which is "Devils Revenge".

As we hear the ongoing battle of guitars and drums going head to head, in a tight cluster of all sorts, we also acknowledge the low tone of guitars which do provide warmth and comfort for the drums to play along with, bashing each drum and cymbal as they come. Vocals do lead by example when they are active, but guitars do take over when the vocals are not in play so it is good that each instrument has their chance to take pole position. Some pretty cool guitar solos are in there too, as we head into the next track which is  "Killer Without Pity" as we hear bass guitar open for a change then drums rolling on with electric guitars joining in. Drums continue to amaze us with cymbal patterns then vocals do come in with raw talent as they have done so far.

Guitars and drums especially stand out with their pace and bone-crunching tone as well as their tenacity. Guitar vibrato is also heard and with epic solos again, drums march on with fist pumping patterns, as we go into the next track which is  "1.3.2.1". Vocals have a bit of twang to their style a bit like an American hard rock band, even though these guys are actually from Italy and they have a lot more of a contribution in this track compared to their previous tracks but still leave space for the other instruments. More guitar magic comes in after a long section for them to sing harmonically before vocals come back in, we also hear a siren in the background too.

"Avalanche" is up next with slow guitar notation as drums creates a build up, drums to also pull back in tempo, but then the hammer comes down with faster patterns for guitars to speed up also. However this track overall isn't as fast as the other tracks so it is certainly different to hear a more settled track as guitars seem to have the way forward for all other elements to go on, bass guitar can be heard again later on. As another warmup with vocals and guitars coincide with bass guitar, then back to the all around killer guitar riffs as we slowly come to the next track which is "The Sling Shot". The seventh track brings the album back to the more familiar tempo of what we have heard in the majority of these tracks as speed metal really is alive here.

Drums clamming up with no nonsense patterns, guitars firing up and vocals shouting about as they have done so up until now. Vocals and guitar do of course give that 80's feel of old school hard rock, but drums propel the entire band to go on the ascending assault with determination and grinding teeth. A short pause before the drums stamp their authority, with guitar going absolutely crazy as well as drums mirroring the same movement, vocals calm everything down as we come to the final track. "Ten Commandments" with burning guitar riffs as a beating heart of kick drum introduces the grand finale of the album before the echo of vocals is heard.

The first minute or two of this track is certainly melodic with guitars and vocals, but then the tempo quickens in the third minute as drums forces the elements to hurry as we come to the finish line. Guitar stuns the listener and has some majestic parts to it and then the tempo slows down a little bit further on in the track then picks up again towards the end. So there we have it, a fighting free spirited album full of all sorts of creativity, speedy guitar riffs and thrilling drum patterns as well as vocals who come in when the time is right as they are just as good as they can get. Definitely a contender with the fact that this is an attempt of reviving the speed metal sub genre, I would say keep going, they will keep the genre going or certain.