Exitium
Outsourcing Morality
6.2
I love grindcore. In fact, with as much as I review I figured it’d be pretty apparent by this point. But for whatever reason, albeit I can comfortably say Oklahoma’s Exitium is a competent band, I have a serious time getting excited over this one.
I wouldn’t go as far as to claim that Exitium bring anything original to the table. In fact, the major bulk of their grindcore assault is best described as rather typical, with the material keeping predominately to the Kill the Client side of the spectrum. However there is a noticeable distinction in Exitium's sound due to exactly how much influence they draw from death metal. Be it the dual vocal attack, the lengthy compositions, or the slightly Swedish tendencies, the influence is there. While not what I would call death grind in its purest sense, there’s enough gore metal tendencies ala Exhumed or Splatter House on tracks like “Prorated Piece of Mind” or the abnormally long (three minutes) “Enshrined” to keep Outsourcing Morality from being a complete exercise in mediocrity or too much like something we've all heard before.
Normally I hate sloppy production, but for whatever reason Outsourcing Morality carries a feel of authenticity, almost as if everything was recorded with a live, no frills approach. The rawness besides adding to the overall aggressiveness, give the material room to flux and breath instead of the slight sterilization found with most modern grindcore. The only drawback with this decision is that the bass seems like a distant undercurrent with little to no distinction more than for its resonance.
The necessary standard blasting drums and psuedo punk beats ala “Species of Compulsion” are all there, but despite the drums accomplishment, its the vocals and guitars that carry this album. The by now well acquainted style of flesh ripping guitar lines of “Outsourcing Morality”, “Living Among the Lifeless”, “Vicious Cycle”, and “Belligerent Rage” blaze through the majority of the material with frenetic speed and supercharged rage. Exitium also excell musically by allowing for contrast be intorduced with the surprising melodic tendencies of “Only in Death” or “A Dying act of Defiance” or the plodding moments of “Acquire and Hoard”. While not quite the most proficient vocals I’ve ever heard, they get the job done. The rather constant interplay lends an important level of differentiation and variety to the overall experienc by adding a good bit more depth to the material.
Lets be serious, Exitium is not going to revolutionize grindcore or acquire many new converts (hence the slightly above average scoring), but consistent grindcore fans will find enough to keep themselves satisfied here. Don’t get me wrong, this is an enjoyable album in a lot of respects, but this is one mainly for the diehard fans of the genre.
