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Album Reviews : Exposed – Exposed

By on October 18, 2015

a4086938575_16As I’ve said in the past, the resurgence of hardcore in Australia is fastly becoming a force to be reckoned with. With each new band that surfaces, the genre within our borders becomes stronger. If each were a performance enhancer, Exposed is bull shark testosterone. Their self-titled album is balls deep in the orifices of brutality, especially for a hardcore band, and may be contender for one of the best independent releases I’ve heard. Ever.

This is as bare-boned as it gets in terms of song structure and complexity; each song is simple, memorable, short and sharp. The guitar work is chunky chord progressions, meaty breakdowns, and menacing leads. The drums are like a pulsing heart-beat on steroids, and the vocals are aggressively spat in typical hardcore fashion. The production, while seemingly DIY, is crisp and makes each song that much more satisfying.

Exposed begins powerfully with “Bone Orchard,” which is both sinister and anthemic. “Live Die Rot” is a fast-paced, dissonant hardcore instructions manual. “Bad Trip” takes the tempo down for a malicious dirge that evokes despair with every note. “Agonizer” is a pulverizing dose of hostility made more potent by the short but livid solo and the ensuing breakdown. “Poisoned Youth” is an unsettling segue that leads into “Misery Guts,” the final morsel in this spiteful chug session.

Exposed is a band I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered, as it epitomizes everything I personally love about metallic hardcore and beatdown: it’s belligerent, unforgettable, and leaves you with pulsating blood vessels in your ears and a feverish aggression that makes you want to start destroying shit. This album is heavier than your momma, catchier than her gonorrhea, and like her usual choice of clothing, way too short. Feed us more.

About

Benjen is a qualified teacher residing in the south-east suburbs of Perth. Benjen was introduced to hard rock at the age of 12 with Papa Roach's "Love-Hate Tragedy," and has developed a love for hard rock and metal since. He also has a keen interest in gaming and almost every fandom imaginable, from Doctor Who to Deadpool. He can be followed on Twitter @thetoadmode