'Death Mask Messiah' further cements Exumer’s legacy as a dauntless thrash metal institution. Their latest, a logical and compelling progression from the German legend’s three previous albums, marks a return to a more brutal and direct musical approach in 11 ferocious songs, produced by Dominic Paraskevopoulos (Kreator, Caliban) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Soulfly, King Diamond).
“We are a lot more aggressive than on Hostile Defiance and are returning to a more ‘in your face’ style on 'Death Mask Messiah',” says vocalist and band co-founder Mem V. Stein. “We’re furthering the process that began with our first offering for Metal Blade, 2012’s 'Fire & Damnation', where we wanted to sound like a contemporary band while maintaining the spirit and our musical heritage of the 1980s.”
Indeed, the songs are anything but retrograde. Recorded from December 2025 through January 2026, 'Death Mask Messia'h is Exumer’s sixth album and fourth for Metal Blade. It marks the first Exumer LP recorded with the rhythm section of drummer Jerome Reil and bass player Alex Voss. “They have formidably integrated themselves as musicians and friends into the Exumer tapestry,” Mem says. “You can feel their young energy, coupled with our trademark aggression and experience. The band sounds more focused and yet raw, thanks to their addition to the lineup.”
'Death Mask Messiah' also surprises: There’s a guest and a cover song: Nasty Ronnie from American metal legends Nasty Savage sings on Exumer’s version of his band’s track “Unchained Angel.” Exumer supported the band in 1988 on their first European tour.
The sequencing of the album mirrors the intended lyrical and conceptual narrative to the music Ray and Marc composed for the album. The result is an auditory and emotional rollercoaster ride worth repeating. 'Death Mask Messiah'’s contemporary songs and sound further cements Exumer’s thrash bona fides. “I think we are heading toward a thrash renaissance, with legacy bands like us, Exodus, and Kreator dropping new albums, and younger bands becoming very popular with younger fans,” Mem observes. While it’s been a few years since Exumer’s last album, 'Death Mask Messiah' is doubtless worth the wait, the band believing that “It’s always quality over quantity for Exumer, and we hope and believe people appreciate that approach.”
Limited red black 'galaxy' vinyl version.
*Please note - image is a mock up only, actual colours may vary on finished product*
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. Death Mask Messiah
2. Blinding Skies
3. Sin Bleeder
4. Eradication
5. Ravishing Waste
Side B:
6. Allocated Savagery
7. Serpent
8. Fratricide
