For well over a year now, I’ve been singing praises about the Indian metal scene along with its neighboring countries because it’s one that’s just as rich as places like Finland, America, England, and Greece albeit much, much younger. Despite that, there are an absolute plethora of exceptional bands that make the scene an absolute treat to skim through. Thrash metal has a wonderful representation among the populace, and Exalter has returned to claim the title as possibly the best thrash band the scene has to offer in their part of the world.

Hailing from Bangladesh, Exalter returns to us to provide even more irrefutable proof that Asia truly does have a menagerie of talented acts to call its own in many forms with its own kings. Black metal has Rudra, death metal has pieces like Primitiv, the progressive side gets Rectified Spirit, and thrash gets Exalter and it couldn’t be a better fit. Drawing from old school thrash that does everything right, Exalter’s upcoming album, “Persecution Automated”, doesn’t rock the boat too much by changing a classic formula but instead simply plays thrash the band grew up with, and its execution is immaculate. The whole of “Persecution Automated” launches with a bit of a slow start, but it’s one that slowly prepares you for the oncoming assault of speed and rhythm that’s pulled off spectacularly by this duo. I never knew that Exalter was a duo until hearing this record, and that makes me appreciate “Persecution Automated” even more. This album really brings together all the tropes of thrash metal very well from having a vicious take on society as a whole while still bringing the heavy in spades as well as speed to keep your heart racing the entire time. Nothing new for thrash metal after decades of it being done, but Exalter manages to keep things interesting and not become another blatant Slayer or Exodus rip-off that we see all too often. Instead, this band brings their own special flavor that adds to the enjoyment of this record and it truly carries the piece from start to finish.

Bangladesh has plenty to offer, and Exalter is possibly one of the best experiences you can get from its tremendous underground scene. Thrash can easily become stale if you don’t treat it properly, but Exalter easily evades such a fate as “Persecution Automated” is another excellent piece of fast-paced intensity that this duo can proudly call their own. They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but that seems to be just the case here with Exalter.

“Persecution Automated” releases on December 28th via Transcending Obscurity Asia!

LISTEN to advanced tracks on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Exalter on Facebook here.