Excoriate – On Pestilent Winds… (2009) [Sepulchral Voice] // Grade: B

Excoriate’s previous three demos do On Pestilent Winds… zero justice. With clear influences from Vader, Possessed, Pestilence and even Sepultura, Excoriate’s newest release keeps it primitive and raw. Even though Excoriate broke up after recording the 7-track LP, their intensity and sound makes this album sound like an eternal death metal anthem.

In each of the tracks, the vocals and riffs seem to mingle well. You can really tell they gave it some thought. Production on the drums is crystal clear and the bass isn’t overpowering. Mainly due to Stefan Eberlein’s deep vocals. Everything thumps with precision.

“On Pestilent Winds” and “From Morbid Ruins” are classics. Unlike a lot of thrashy death stuff, these tracks are pretty long. Coming in around 6 minutes each. You’ll find the album a quick listen with a few shorter tracks smashed in between the openers and the 9-minute long “Demons Rush”. The band even covers Sepultura’s “Mayhem” where once again, Eberlein’s vocals steal the show. Is it wrong for me to think the cover is better than the original?

It’s a shame On Pestilent Winds… was the nail in the coffin for Excoriate. It’d be nice to hear more from the band; 35 minutes isn’t enough!

- Prolly