EXUMER, the legendary German thrash metal band, is set to release their highly anticipated album, 'Death Mask Messiah', on August 28th, 2026, marking a significant return to the scene after a seven-year hiatus. This album is a testament to the band's enduring legacy and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of thrash metal.
The album, produced by Dominic Paraskevopoulos (KREATOR, CALIBAN) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (SOULFLY, KING DIAMOND), showcases EXUMER's evolution while staying true to their roots. With 11 ferocious tracks, the band takes a more brutal and direct approach, building upon the success of their previous albums. EXUMER co-founding vocalist Mem V. Stein emphasizes the band's shift towards a more aggressive and 'in-your-face' style, a clear departure from their earlier work.
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Death Mask Messiah' is the guest appearance by Nasty Ronnie from NASTY SAVAGE, who lends his vocals to EXUMER's cover of 'Unchained Angel'. This collaboration adds a unique twist to the album, bridging the gap between the past and present. The band's support for NASTY SAVAGE in 1988 on their first European tour is a heartwarming nod to their shared history.
The album's concept is deeply rooted in U.S. politics, the pandemic, and the use of misinformation to create cultural divides. Mem V. Stein draws inspiration from the 30-year anniversary of the Waco, Texas standoff with the Branch Davidians, where David Koresh, a false prophet, wore a death mask to manipulate and lead his followers to their demise. Each song on the album explores a different theme, reflecting these complex and thought-provoking ideas.
The title track, 'Death Mask Messiah', serves as a powerful introduction to the album, combining the Waco raid/siege narrative with a broader critique of charlatans in power. Stein's lyrical concept and the sonic assault of the main riff leave no room for doubt about the band's intentions, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the thrash metal genre.
'Death Mask Messiah' is a visually stunning album, featuring front art and layout by Björn Gooßes of Killustrations (SODOM, VOMITORY). The album will be released in various formats, including CD-digipak, digital, and vinyl, with limited-edition color variants such as 180g Black, 'Galaxy' Red/Black, 'Saturn' Grey/Brown Ripple, and 'Onyx' Black Ice with White Splatter.
The track listing for 'Death Mask Messiah' is as follows:
- Death Mask Messiah
- Blinding Skies
- Sin Bleeder
- Eradication
- Ravishing Waste
- Allocated Savagery
- Serpent
- Fratricide
- Scorcher
- Frozen Ground
- Unchained Angel
EXUMER's current lineup includes Mem V. Stein on vocals, Ray Mensh and Marc B. on guitars, Alex Voss on bass, and Jerome Reil on drums. This new era of EXUMER promises to be a thrilling journey for fans, offering a fresh and powerful take on the classic thrash metal sound that has defined the band's legacy.
