Felt like dragging out some classic EXCITER...

Master Of The Crotch Grab Number of posts : 6841 Age : 50

Exciter- Unveiling The Wicked (1986)

Exciter's fourth album always has seemed to be a point of contention amongst fans, mainly due to the departure of original guitarist John Ricci, but also claims of a "commercial" sound. Brian McPhee is a great replacement for Ricci, his guitar tone is heavier, his solos fleshier, and he kicks out ballsy riffs too. Which, when all is said and done, is quite a nice change given how repetitive Ricci can be (don't get me wrong here though, I love the previous 3 records, it's just neat to hear Exciter moving forward). As far as the "commercial" sound here, that seems like a pretty misplaced moniker to throw at the album. Yes, there's more hard rock influences and melody thrown in to the mix, but it's still speed metal, it's not sunset strip by any means. The added influences just bring a depth forth which wasn't present before, and meatier songs here really. The production itself is a nice throwback to the sounds of Heavy Metal Maniac with that distortion/fuzz giving the record a pretty epic sound. Allan Johnson's bass is tight and driving throughout the record, and Beehler's wail while he pounds those skins means business. The cheesy album cover was also hated by alot, I personally love it, seeing it in the movie Trick or Treat was actually what made me run out and get it.
Break Down The Walls opens the record up, and is one of Exciter's best songs period. Beehler screams his balls off, the drums have a nice punch to them, and it's got a hell of a crunchy main riff. McPhee does a great job of blending the two different guitars here too, making it a stronger listen overall, and that solo is blistering!

Brainstorm is a short instrumental which really just serves as an intro for Die In The Night. It's a damn nice shred fest too. Die In The Night is another badass song, another crunchy riff with some fist pumping rhythms and an infectious chorus.

(I Hate) School Rules comes in next, which is probably the most famous (and ironically worst) track on here. Taking a cue from Twisted Sister and W.A.S.P., Exciter pulls a typical 80's metal anti-establishment anthem. The lyrics are ridiculous, but would easily appeal to younger fans with it's catchy chorus and riff. In another words, nice riff but wholly skip worthy. It's a smurfette this was the album's single, had they chosen Die In The Night or something else, this album would probably have been better received.

Shout It Out is another mid-paced thrasher following in the same vein with the rest of the album. With Invasion/Waiting In The Dark though, we get another Exciter classic. Kicked up a notch again here much like the opener, but with a cool melodic interlude that makes it epic. This track is just a powerhouse of speed metal. Living Evil is the albums slower stomping track that brings Violence and Force to mind.

Live Fast, Die Young is another straight classic, full of energy, Beehler pounds the meTal right out of his kit while shreiking like a banshee, and McPhee's playing just rips and meshes great with Johnson's bass. Mission Destroy is a strong ender, another intense mid-paced track that leaves your head banging.

Definately one of Exciter's best records, ashame it doesn't get it's due credit.

Guest

(I hate) This Album.

Exciter without John Ricci is a snoozefest to me.

Master Of The Crotch Grab Number of posts : 6841 Age : 50

SpectreFate wrote:: (I hate) This Album.

Exciter without John Ricci is a snoozefest to me.

That's funny. I like Ricci alot, but McPhee isn't as repetitive, gave them a new dimension.

Metal is my Life Number of posts : 12811 Age : 55

I remember picking this up as a new release and then being a bit disappointed in it. I still like it, just not as good as the first three

Metal, Movies, Beer Number of posts : 37962 Age : 54

Havent' heard this one in forever... the cover always reminded me of the "V" TV series. Laughing

When we were in high school, of course, "I Hate School Rules" sorta "spoke" to us. As DC said, it was a nice companion to "School Daze" by W.A.S.P.

_________________
"If you're a false, don't entry, because you'll be burned and died!"

Heart of Metal Number of posts : 1226 Age : 56

When this was released, all my friends who were Exciter fans agreed with me, that the only Exciter song was "Live Fast, Die Young".

Over time, I liked more of it, even I Hate School Rules, because as pointed out, it is really catchy.

The metal scene in Canada is smaller and limited compared to the USA and especially Europe, so Beehler was trying to get a wider fanbase, by playing what thrashers considered poser metal, but all it was, was Exciter trying to get mainstream appeal like Judas Priest and Black Sabbath.

You know,the LP before this one, called "Long Live The Loud" is awesome for its heaviness, the production and song structures, musicianship,cover art, etc
but there is something lacking in many songs.
To this day, I have trouble remembering some songs and titles until I pull the vinyl out.

Metal is in my blood Number of posts : 3908 Age : 52

I like all the Exciter albums except the new one. I guess I just need to hear it more and hope it grows on me.

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