No Life 'til Metal - CD Gallery

In the mid-eighties, Exciter rivaled bands like Metallica, Anthrax, Raven and fellow Canadians Anvil for power/thrash metal superiority and were growing extremely popular. I was a big fan of their first two albums but lost track of them after that. By 1993 the band was at a low, with only drummer/vocalist Dan Beehler remaining from the old days. After several years of silence, original guitarist John Ricci put together a new lineup in 1996 and began releasing albums that were as good as, if not better than their old material. A friend asked me if I'd like to check out "Blood of Tyrants." This album rekindled my interest in this band.

1. "The Holocaust" [instrumental] (1:43)
2. "Stand Up and Fight" (2:45)
3. "Heavy Metal Maniac" (3:48)
4. "Iron Dogs" (6:00)
5. "Mistress of Evil" (5:16)
6. "Under Attack" (4:17)
7. "Rising of the Dead" (3:33)
8. "Blackwitch" (7:04)
9. "Cry of the Banshee" (3:49)
10. "World War III" (3:44)

"Heavy Metal Maniac" is considered a classic album by most metal enthusiasts. It had to be one of the very first thrash metal albums to come out, with only Raven beating them to the punch. Still, at the time Exciter were contenders with Metallica and Anthrax for thrash metal superiority, and this disc shows why. It had the speed, aggression and attitude. The recording was rough, sounding like a demo that was probably recorded live, but that only adds to the overall appeal. Not unlike many of those early, underground bands, it wasn't about stellar production, it was about plugging in, turning up and cranking out the metal! That is exactly what Exciter delivers. OK, a few songs have those cliché "evil" type heavy metal lyrics. However, this was pretty typical of the early 80's metal and thrash movement.

I own an original vinyl copy of "Heavy Metal Maniac" as well as a CD copy. My CD copy has no record company listed on here, so I can only assume it's a bootleg.

1. "Oblivion" [instrumental] (:33)
2. "Violence & Force" (4:04)
3. "Scream in the Night" (4:14)
4. "Pounding Metal" (4:35)
5. "Destructor" (4:18)
6. "Swords of Darkness" (3:57)
7. "Delivering to the Master" (6:06)
8. "Saxons of the Fire" (3:27)
9. "War is Hell" (6:19)

A reissue of the Canadian speed-metal classic, rivaled only by Raven for more lunatic metal, and certainly usurping Manowar's crown as the heaviest band in 1984. Certainly Exciter may well have been one of the very first thrash bands. "Pounding Metal" was a favorite of mine for years and was one of those songs I put on every compilation tape I would make for friends. Unfortunately this reissue features little in the way of packaging, but as I recall the original didn't have much either. The cover on this album always made me laugh, ever wonder how that hand is holding onto the switchblade that looks like it's metaphysically dangling?

Another track was recorded for this album that was only released on a couple of rare compilation CDs. "Death Revenge" was released on Megaforce's "The Megavault" and "Deeper Into the Vaults" compilation.

1. "Fall Out" [instrumental] (1:55)
2. "Long Live the Loud" (4:19)
3. "I Am the Beast" (4:50)
4. "Victims of Sacrifice" (4:58)
5. "Beyond the Gates of Doom" (5:08)
6. "Sudden Impact" (4:04)
7. "Born to Die" (6:03)
8. "Wake Up Screaming" (10:00)
9. "Feel the Knife" (2:57)
10. "Violence & Force" [live] (4:23)
11. "Pounding Metal" [live] (6:13)

Picked up this excellent reissue from Molten Metal USA. Not exactly sure who reissued the disc as there is no record company listed, no copyright material nor any catalogue numbers, so I can only assume it's a very high quality bootleg recording. (Old Metal Records perhaps?) Anyhow the music on this album continues in the hyper, speed metal of the first two albums with Dan Beehler busting a gut singing as high as he possibly can. Nice to have the 'Feel the Knife' EP as bonus tracks. There are other re-releases of this album that do not contain these three extra tracks.

1. "Break Down the Walls" (6:40)
2. "Brainstorm" [instrumental] (1:32)
3. "Die in the Night" (4:12)
4. "(I Hate) School Rules" (3:57)
5. "Shout It Out" (4:39)
6. "Invasion/Waiting in the Dark" (5:42)
7. "Living Evil" (6:59)
8. "Live Fast, Die Young" (3:54)
9. "Mission Destroy" (5:55)

High pitched, high energy, earth shaking heavy metal! "Unveiling the Wicked" remains pretty close to the formula the band has followed since the beginning. There are a few more commercial moments on this disc, although no one would dare to say that this disc approaches 'sellout.' Dan Beehler's vocals are still glass shattering, the riffs still pummeling, and the speed is still there for the most part as well. However, songs like "Die In The Night" and "School Rules" slow things down a tad and give the disc a bit more variety than past albums. For some reason these two songs remind me of fellow Canadian metalhead's Anvil. This is one of the more rare Exciter releases. Not even sure who released this CD version. I was always under the assumption the "Unveiling the Wicked" never made it to CD, however, since I have a disc sitting in my hand right now, I was obviously wrong.

1. "Scream Bloody Murder" (4:40)
2. "Back in the Light" (3:33)
3. "Ready to Rock" (4:17)
4. "O.T.T." (3:59)
5. "I Wanna Be King" (4:22)
6. "Enemy Lines" (3:59)
7. "Dying to Live" (4:35)
8. "Playin' With Fire" (4:33)
9. "Eyes in the Sky" (4:54)
10. "Termination" (2:16)

Dan Beehler and his speed metal cohorts slow it down a notch or two for this one and bring in something unforgivable in thrash metal circles; melody. That's not to say the album isn't still heavy. Personally I think it was an improvement, although the band's fan base didn't seem to go for it and this album didn't do to well for the pioneers of speed and aggression. Not sure why though, as Metallica did the same thing on "Master of Puppets" in 1986 and their popularity exploded. Besides there are still plenty of speed metal to be had in tracks like "Scream Bloody Murder" and "Enemy Lines". One other big change on this album was that Dan Beehler relinquished his role as lead vocalist, hiring an equally high-range shrieker Rob Malnati. Despite having grown up with groundbreaking albums like "Violence & Force" and "Heavy Metal Maniac", this CD gets more play in my CD player than both those early CDs together. As is printed on the back of this CD, "This album was specially mixed to be played LOUD & PROUD!" This is certainly one of the most underrated CDs in Exciter's catalogue.

1. "Stand Up & Fight" (2:58)
2. "Heavy Metal Maniacs" (3:40)
3. "Victims of Sacrifice" (5:01)
4. "Under Attack" (4:19)
5. "Sudden Impact" (4:06)
6. "Delivering to the Master" (6:06)
7. "I Am The Beast" (4:41)
8. "Blackwitch" (7:23)
9. "Long Live the Loud" (5:07)
10. "Rising Of the Dead" (3:51)
11. "Cry of the Banshee" (4:07)
12. "Pounding Metal" (5:18)
13. "Violence & Force" (5:05)

Exciter recorded live at a club in February of 1991. There is very little information given about this disc, although it does feature original vocalist/drummer Dan Beehler and guitarist John Ricci. The recording isn't bad, but not overly polished either, giving a true live feel. It is obvious that little, if any, overdubs or studio fixes were done. The reason I say that is because some of John's guitar solos are botched. This becomes painfully obvious since there is only one guitarist, and thus only bass and drums backing the guitar solos. It's hard to hide mistakes when you are out on you own like that. Anyhow, despite this, there is a sense of excitement and energy that is conveyed on the disc, which is what I like about live albums. The material featured is all pulled from the band's first three albums, which most would consider their best. I particularly enjoyed the material on the last half of the disc. Tracks 9 through 13 are some of the band's finest.

In 1996 a new Exciter lineup was formed. Joining original guitarist, John Ricci is vocalist, Jacques Belanger, drummer, Rik Charron, and bassist, Marc Charron. Soon after their reformation "The Dark Command" was released. This "new" material sounds a lot like their original, fast, aggressive, speed metal sound, although the vocals are a bit more melodic yet still biting and aggressive. The lyrics haven't changed much over the years either. Exciter still likes to portray the stereotypical "evil" image with songs of death and war. If you can overlook this, then the music is spectacular. Obtained this CD from an internet trade on the PM Board. Thanks Alec.

1. "Metal Crusade" (4:11)
2. "Rule With An Iron Fist" (3:47)
3. "Intruders" (3:23)
4. "Predetor" (3:23)
5. "Martial Law" (3:11)
6. "War Cry" (3:33)
7. "Brutal Warning" (3:49)
8. "Weapons of Mass Destruction" (3:23)
9. "Blood of Tyrants" (3:09)
10. "Violator" (3:52)

As I said in the short bio above, it was this CD that rekindled my interest in this band. "Blood of Tyrants" is one fast and furious metal album. I suppose some would label it thrash, while others would say speed metal. I'm not sure what to label it, but the music is furious and the vocals are just plain cool. I didn't know bands still made metal like this in 2000. Metal freak flag's are flyin' high in the Exciter camp.

In the last few years it's become somewhat of a trend for classic rock, metal and thrash bands to re-record older material with their newer line-ups. Testament, Anthrax, Twisted Sister, Exodus, Sodom, among many others, have all released similar recordings. Exciter's "New Testament" follows suit and features the current line-up of Jacques Belanger - Vocals, John Ricci - Guitars & Bass and Rick Charron - Drums re-recording select songs from nearly the entire Exciter catalog. "New Testament" basically functions as a best of album.

Exciter were one of the earliest speed metal bands on the scene. Their early albums, while being historically important and considered classics among metal enthusiasts, were not properly recorded and generally have very poor sound quality. That fact alone is good reason to re-record some of these songs. The production is, of course, much improved over the original recordings for the most part. There is much to be said about atmosphere, and those early recording with the original line-up can never be replaced. It's still cool to hear some of these songs with a proper recording. For the most part, the songs chosen are the faster songs. However, one of my favorite songs, "Pounding Metal" made the cut and proves that Exciter can write a great mid-paced anthem. I must also add that I consider "Heavy Metal Maniac" to be one of the great metal anthems of all time along with Anvil's "Metal on Metal" and Saxon's "Denim & Leather". The biggest obstacle that most longtime fans will have to overcome is not hearing Dan Beehler's signature howl on these songs. He most certainly had a charm and charisma that were all his own. Jacques Belanger is a good vocalist and has a high voice that sounds Halford-esque at times. He is probably a better singer technically and he does an oustanding job here, but as I already stated, there is something about those original recordings that can never be replaced.

There are also five tracks from newer studio album included, "The Dark Command", "Aggressor". "Ritual Death", "Rule With An Iron Fist", and "Brutal Warning. These tracks are good as well, proving that Exciter have always flew their metal flag high and proud, even during the musically depressed 90's. However, those original recordings weren't bad at all and didn't really need re-recording. Personally, I would have rather have had songs like "Screaming in the Night", "Feel the Knife" and "War is Hell" included instead.

"New Testament" includes: "Stand Up And Fight", "Heavy Metal Maniac", "Rising Of The Dead" and "Blackwitch" (all from the class debut album Heavy Metal Maniac, 1983); "Violence and Force" and "Pounding Metal" (from Violence And Force, 1984); "Long Live The Loud", I Am The Beast", and "Victims Of Sacrifice" (from Long Live The Loud, 1985), "Rain Of Terror" (from Kill After Kill-1992), "The Dark Command", "Aggressor", and "Ritual Death" (from The Dark Command, 1997) and "Rule With An Iron Fist" and "Brutal Warning" (from Blood Of Tyrants, 2000). Nothing was included from Unveiling the Wicked or the 1988 self titled album.

It's been nearly eight years since we've heard any new material from guitarist John Ricci and his band of speed metal maniacs. If there is any doubt that Exciter are sticking to their guns, the title alone should be enough to prove that they are still cranking out old school, high energy, full volume, hyper, heavy metal. You wont' hear even the slightest hint of more modern influences in this one. "Thrash Speed Burn" is chock full of razor sharp riffs, over-the-top guitar solos, screaming vocals, gang choruses, etc. For the most part, the songs are all pretty fast paced, with the exception of the lengthy "Crucifixion", which takes a slightly less manic, mid-tempo approach. Still songs like "Massacre Mountain", "Demon's Gate" and the title track are sure to please long time fans. I'd even go so far as to say that "Demon's Gate" sounds like it could have been written during those early "Violence & Force" days. Even the recording is old school, sounding very raw and almost "live".

Founding member and vocalist Dan Beehler will always be missed. His voice and charisma were a large part of what I liked about Exciter. However, new vocalist Kenny Winter has a similar high, shrill voices although he isn't an exact clone either. Aside from that fact, "Thrash Speed Burn" has everything anyone could want from an Exciter album; metal, metal and more metal!