Just beneath the vaunted Teutonic Thrash Trinity (Destruction, Kreator, Sodom), there existed other worthy 80s contenders, including Exhumer, who disbanded in ‘90, following the release of their second album, only to re-appear at Wacken ’01 before disappearing for the rest of the decade, ultimately playing a few shows in ’09 and finally getting around to recording once again.

This is their first album since ’88! Original singer/bassists Mem Stein (who departed after “Possessed By Fire”) and mainstay guitarist Ray Mensh are still involved, giving this incarnation instant legitimacy. Clean vocals (especially compared to Mille, Schmier and Angelripper) and wild, undulating guitar runs atop classic no-frills thrash is the name of the game here. In fact, the guitar histrionics I’d put more in the vintage Exodus camp, although the use of ride cymbal is right out of Dave Lombardo’s (Slayer) bag of tricks and ‘Vermin In The Sky’ owes a nod to their Destructive countrymen.

Of the ten tracks, eight are new, coupled with a pair of re-recorded oldies, ‘Fallen Saint’ and ‘I Dare You’, virtually indistinguishable from the others, which is a good thing. Welcome back!