Short review: Exit Wounds is THE HAUNTED’s best album since One Kill Wonder.
[Read on for the longer version.]
After the excellent teaser, Eye of the Storm 7", THE HAUNTED make their full declaration with Exit Wounds. All the great things that make the them the best thrash band in the world are here in full force. Led by returning vocalist Marco Aro and his career-best vocal performance, THE HAUNTED bring back the violent and dark themes, and prime riffing.
After the near career killing Unseen, the band had two choices: call it a day or remember what made them great. In all facets, they chose the latter. In addition to being their work in years, many songs on Exit Wounds rank as the best in their catalogue. Songs like “Psychonaut,” “Trendkiller,” and “Time (Will Not Heal),” lay everything to waste. The album is not perfect as there are two clunkers - one being “All I Have.”
New member, lead guitarist Ola Englund, could not be a more perfect fit. His solos are impeccable as every single note perfectly placed and is line with THE HAUNTED-sound.
The bottom line is that we should celebrate the fact that one of metal’s best bands are back to form. The thrash throne has been reclaimed. (Century Media Records)
