David Halbe 
Necrophony is a very polished-sounding album, and the performance offerings are extremely crisp. Although the modern production qualities are at the forefront of this musical attack they do not overshadow the old school riffs or exciting leads.
Exmortus is a neoclassical technical thrash metal act from California, active since 2002.
I personally have been following this band since 2014’s Slave To The Sword. I’ve always found their ‘death eats thrash’ pedigree refreshing and an awesome addition to the metal scene.
The most recent release by Exmortus is named Necrophony, roughly translated by the group as Symphony of the Dead’ or ‘Dead Songs’.
This album was released back in 2023 via Nuclear Blast Records.
The record is a rare combination of modern death metal and neoclassical thrash. A dark and heavy, almost stifling atmosphere that demands repeat listens. My favorite incarnation of the band has always been the Ride Forth (2016) lineup but after hearing Necrophony numerous times, I’m starting to change my mind.
The main reason for this has got to be the addition of Chase Becker (guitars).
The Warbringer axeman has been a part of Exmortus since 2018’s The Sound Of Steel. His contributions on Necrophony help Exmortus achieve a more complete sound.
I’d liken the pairing with Jadran “Conan” Gonzalez to Iron Maiden’s combo of Adrian Smith and Dave Murray, a fast-paced collection of galloping riffs and incredibly groovy notes that are seemingly pulled out of thin air. All of this is laced with a classical touch that keeps the melodies modern and fresh. Highlight tracks for me are: “Masquerade”, “Mask Of The Red Death”, “Mind Of Metal”, “Beyond The Grave” and “Necrophony”.
Necrophony is a very polished album, and the performance offerings are extremely crisp. Although the modern production qualities are at the forefront of this musical attack they do not overshadow the old school riffs or exciting leads. Check out Necrophony by Exmortus and let these ‘dead songs’ entertain you! \m/
EXMORTUS is:
- Jadran “Conan” Gonzalez – Guitars, Vocals
- Chase Becker – Guitars
- Adrian Aguilar – Drums
- Brice Snyder – Bass
