Exhumed are a death metal band from the US and this is their ninth album.
Exhumed have been slaughtering their way across the death metal scene for long enough that any new material is feverishly greeted by bloodstained grins by a those in the know. Yep, Exhumed rule, and this time they’ve taken their gore-obsessed death metal mobile – Red Asphalt is a 37-minute hymn to the carnage of the road.
If you know what Exhumed sound like, you know what Red Asphalt sounds like, but that doesn’t lessen its impact one jot. Stylistically, this could be the next logical step on from 2000’s Slaughtercult in many ways, more so than 2003’s Anatomy Is Destiny was – Red Asphalt could almost be the missing link between the two records. Essentially, this is old-school Exhumed, yet has also incorporated melodic tricks and licks from the band’s more sophisticated outings.
This album roadrages through ten death metal songs spiked with thrash energy and grind extremity. Well-written, laden with bloody hooks, and destined to stick in your brain like an iron spike, Red Asphalt doesn’t leave you alone. Exhumed’s music is that moreish hit of adrenaline-soaked intensity that’s needed to get you through the day. Exhumed know exactly what they’re doing with this new collection of songs. It’s classic Exhumed, all blasting entrails, chainsaw groove, murderous riffs, and squealing solos. The deep wet growls brutalise and razor sharp screams lacerate. Their formula is well-honed at this stage, yet doesn’t once fail to thrill and entertain. It’s bloody work, but Exhumed do it better than anyone.
Red Asphalt is exactly what devotees of the band want from Exhumed. It’s simply a really strong album, delivered in the band’s trademark gore metal style, and packed with quality songs. There are no frills, no pointless interludes or empty calories, just pure, filler-less, satisfying, tasty, old-school deathgrind mayhem and bloodshed. This is what Exhumed exist for, and Red Asphalt is absolutely killer fun.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 