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HARLOTT “Exsequiis”
HARLOTT “Exsequiis”
By Thor
Australian thrash machine HARLOTT returns with their fifth full-length album. This one’s called “Exsequiis” and it’s a banger.
I’ve seen the name HARLOTT bandied about the metal pages here and there over the past decade, but I hadn’t heard them until I got this promo to review. So, while I have no idea how “Exsequiis” compares to the band’s past output, I can state with confidence that the thrash metal contained here is among the best I’ve heard (and I’ve heard damn near all of it).
These guys are all exceptional players, and though it’s immediately apparent, it never seems to be the catalyst for why they play what they play. In other words, there’s little to no wankery to be found. These songs are comprised of all the thrash tropes you like and none that make you cringe. The material manages to be heavy and aggressive without sounding mundane. The songs are well-composed and bring a variety of thrash-rooted approaches to the album.
HARLOTT wears their thrash bona fides on their sleeves. There’s a purity here that’s rare on modern thrash records where many bands feel compelled to bring in elements from other genres. I think the only thing that’s not exclusive to thrash here is the occasional blast beat by drummer Glen Trayhern. But those are few and far between and they work well when employed.The guitar work from Andrew Hudson and Leigh Bartley is elite, and, as thrash metal vocals go, the aggressive dual assault by Hudson and bassist Tom Richards is as good as it gets.
There aren’t any obvious weaknesses to be found on “Exsequiis”. If I had to pick nits, the production—while excellent—does sound digital. Welcome to 2026, I suppose. There are also three songs that have some clean singing. And even though it’s done well, it’s not my preference in this context.
HARLOTT’s “Exsequiis” is topnotch thrash metal. I highly recommend it to any true thrashards as well as any fan of the heavier side of metal in general.
FFO HAVOK, HATRIOT, KREATOR, EXODUS, OVERKILL.
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