EP REVIEW: Slaughter Messiah – Exorcized To None

Belgian Black-Thrashing maniacs SLAUGHTER MESSIAH are back with a new EP, consisting of a brand new track, some re-recordings and some live cuts. This underground amalgamation of evil is presented by High Roller Records.

“Side Studio” begins with some disquieting samples before mystifying entwine atop huge drum fills to give a savage and bestial atmosphere of pure metallic excellence. The grisly thrashing riffs and satanic overtones instantly feel like some timeless webs of extremity being woven. The malicious vocal delivery to the Teutonic style riffing is sharp and violent, harkening back to Sodom and Kreator in their prime. Vicious, carnal and unholy; Slaughter Messiah pick up where their superb last album “Cursed to the Pyre” left off. The blackened edge meeting pure Thrash and Heavy Metal from the 80s is a match made in the hellish infernos of the underworld and these Belgian brutes concoct it perfectly. Following the utterly majestic title track, we are treated to some re-recordings of classic songs “Bells of Damnation” and “Slaughter Messiah” from some of the bands earlier releases. Both feel like they honour the originals while showcasing the progress the band has made as a more refined, visceral unit to deliver carnage and desecration. Hearing these songs with the brutal execution of the band in 2024 absolutely ruled. So the studio material rules, in summary. Next we will hear how the band holds up in a live arena. In the words of Omen: “In the arena you are the chosen warrior”…

Flipping over the “Side Live” and we can hear the bands indomitable performances in front of a real crowd where studio comforts cannot be relied upon. Raw, uncut and menacing are the words that spring to mind as we launch back into that ferocious title track again but this time with the unrefined and yet charming approach of a live sound. The band definitely play tight live, there is no arguing that. Delving back into hell, this trinity of songs is superb in a whole new way when performed live. Both versions are exciting and interesting to listen to and compare. While the studio ones have a gorgeous clarity while keeping it old school, these live cuts are barbaric anthems of destruction given straight to the unwitting flesh of a real crowd and that’s something special too. Definitely a cool bit of content for the EP to give us more bang for our buck and also show the band is absolutely worthy of seeing live when they are this crushing on stage.

Slaughter Messiah are back with a vengeance and treat us to this killer EP / compilation of new, old and refreshed ideas both in a studio and the live setting. Showing their strengths on al frontiers while we wait for the next album was a killer idea and this is definitely a gem for the fans but also has potential to bring new maniacs into their legions. Especially the new title track, one of their finest offerings to date. Bang or be banged!