At this point, there is a true myriad of bands out there that any of us can think of whenever we try to fathom quintessential and classic death metal bands the likes of which have all but integrated themselves into the very fabric of the very genre. We could spend all day discussing the best of the best with the list stretching into hundreds of bands easily depending on who’s doing the talking, and Exhumed is absolutely one of those names that would come up multiple times. That’s with good reason. This is a band that has never been one to miss in any capacity with their brand of death metal never once being afraid to explore and settle in the nastier territory to really offer us something downright grotesque, and that proves to be no different on their tenth full-length album.

Even if their five-year hiatus lasted longer, the very name of Exhumed would have been more than enough to rile up the underground in excitement as it’s this band’s sound that has become the cornerstone for many influenced acts out there both new and decades-old at this point with their sphere or influence only growing every year. It’s the sort of thing that leaves one wondering just how such a band can still perform on such a high level given all that that they’ve already achieved in a legendary run such that it would be difficult to pinpoint a true and undeniable weak spot in the band’s discography. “To The Dead” does naught but further that glorious killing spree. It’s always tempting to say that every new creation from Exhumed is a fresh experience that holds nothing back and adds new stuff to the table, but it’s been clear for years now that Exhumed has truly mastered its sound even after adopting a more death metal oriented form, yet it’s the ten tracks that are on full display here that furthers the proof that Exhumed is nothing short of a masterclass example of death metal coming together with demented grind in such a form that is exceedingly compelling right from the start. Overflowing with blood-drenched riffs and voracious talent that consumes all in its path leaving nothing less than shredded viscera and bone littered behind, “To The Dead” is simply a record from the likes of Exhumed with all the excellence and terrible power that comes with such an expectation.

Saying that this is an expected release from Exhumed makes this sound like a tired formula on the surface that has no sort of thrill to it with no teeth to its sound or anything of the sort, but anyone even barely familiar with the name of Exhumed should know that has never been the case. What’s been brought forth for the utter entirety of “To The Dead” is exactly of the quality that this band has made themselves known for over the course of their run, and such excellence like this can never go unheralded or undenied for what it accomplishes.

“To The Dead” releases on October 21st via Relapse Records!

LISTEN to singles from “To The Dead” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Exhumed on Facebook here.