Review: “Abysmal Earth” by Exaust

A portrait painted in the darker side of Thrash mixed by Chris “Sandy” Sanderson of Grove Street at Studio 6 in Swindon and mastered by Grant Berry (Boston Manor, Ithaca, Static Dress) at Fader Mastering, sophomore EP “Abysmal Earth” from Exaust is the culmination of three years hard labour at in deepest, darkest Cwmbrân, South Wales. It follows 2023 EP “Thrash Is Back” and 2024 stand alone single “B.T.C. (Curb Stomp)” which were released during a time in which the band were turning stages to sawdust with the likes of Inhuman Nature, Overpower and Thrasherwolf. As it happens, the single was a warning, introducing two new players to the bands violent game with bassist Matt “Mighty” Moore and vocalist Dewi Robinson joining drummer Ethan English and axe wielding duo Dannedd Sansom and Evan Rise. Together they spread fear and loathing across this plague ridden land with their themes of war, death and ancient horrors…

…roaring out of the gate like a beast from the black depths, Exaust introduce themselves with the vicious little ditty that is “No Longer Human“. An Old School adrenalized Thrash cut that is in a similar vein to recent works by bands like Electrocutioner or even Enforced with hints of Death Metal influences just beneath the surface, it slaps harder than a contender in the American Power Slap Championship. A downtempo, groove laden finale is a nice touch, as is the purposefully raw guitar tone which gives the track that demo tape style menacing tone. Picking up the pace and the intensity “Sworn to Silence” smashes the clock in fear with a bombastic bassline adding a classic clanky sound to the rhythmic battery. Late 80’s and early 90’s Hardcore influences are exposed as the quintet enter crossover territory only to pull it back with a blistering solo in the kind of grand finale that the edge of the seat was made for. That soloing continues into the rapid fire of “Murder Messiah“, the sonic abrasions reaching circle pit inciting speed as the quintet go all out attack. Slowing down for a deeply satisfying mosh part two thirds in is a classy manoeuvre that helps make this one a stand out cut.

A bloodcurdling scream from Robinson during the opening riffs of the barnstorming “Open Wound” is warning of the shape of punk to come, the battle scars the band have earned in the live arena no doubt helping shape this sonic assault on the senses. Urgent rhythms and pummelling percussion might be the order of the day but they’re served in such a violently turbulent fashion that you’ll need to hold on to your hat before even attempting to ride this bull at their rodeo. A pick slide into an electrifying solo ignites the flames “My Volition“, a track that gets the blood pumping with its breakneck speed and aggressive tendencies. Fists in the air and chants of “My Volition!” back at the band as they do the gang chants live will be a mandatory requirement at shows, the galloping drums and whammy bar drop solo manna from heaven. All in all, a scorching return from a band who on this evidence should be playing festivals like Bloodstock before too long [8/10]

Track Listing

1. No Longer Human
2. Sworn to Silence
3. Murder Messiah
4. Open Wound
5. My Volition

“Abysmal Earth” by Exaust is out 24th July 2025 and is available over at bandcamp