The Intersection of Automobiles and Metal: Exhumed’s “Red Asphalt”
The American Love Affair with Cars
Cars are an intrinsic part of modern American culture. The insatiable hunger to seek and conquer both real and imagined frontiers has been deeply ingrained in America’s collective consciousness. The automobile emerged as the ultimate embodiment of this obsessive wanderlust. With the conception of the interstate highway system in 1956, the possibilities for adventure seemed limitless. A car represented a tangible, accessible form of freedom for the average individual. Forward motion evolved into a creed, encapsulated by Jack Kerouac’s words: “One fast move or I’m gone.” However, this freedom carries hidden costs. Contrary to popular belief, you are far more likely to be injured or killed in your trusty sedan than in a plane crash. In 2023 alone, nearly 45,000 lives were lost on American roads, turning highways and byways into stages for random and brutal carnage.
Exhumed’s Bold Exploration of Road Carnage: “Red Asphalt”
Enter veteran NorCal death metal band Exhumed, who fearlessly confront the grim realities of everyday life in their latest album, Red Asphalt. This record serves as a visceral examination of the often-overlooked violence associated with car culture. Band leader Matt Harvey invites listeners to join them in exploring a familiar yet perilous domain, stating, “accompany us to a place where we spend a disproportionate amount of our lives.” Ross Sewage, offering his low growls and formidable bass lines, succinctly captures the album’s essence: “The road is a meat grinder.” While many bands delve into cosmic themes of dread and mortality, Exhumed remains grounded, committed to documenting the daily toll of bloodshed and destruction.
Musical Composition and Dynamics
Sticking to Harvey’s established style of crafting songs with memorable choruses, Red Asphalt sometimes veers into a formulaic territory. Tracks like “Shock Trauma” and “Signal Thirty” showcase solid parts but ultimately feel pedestrian within the album’s broader context. The former features an audible chorus amidst a chaotic mix of blasts and grunts, while the latter is quicker and bass-heavy. The question remains: do these components coalesce into something truly memorable? Opinions may vary.
Highlights of the Album
On the other hand, tracks like “Shovel Head” shine brightly. This mid-tempo behemoth is punctuated by intricate drumming from Mike Hamilton, showcasing the band’s ability to balance aggression with groove. The title track begins with a haunting vibe reminiscent of Slayer’s South of Heaven before transitioning into a bass-heavy explosion, interspersed with melodic touches that echo the influence of Heartwork by Carcass. After nearly three decades and nine albums, it’s intriguing to hear Exhumed’s evolution alongside their foundational influences.
Production Quality and Sound
The production, led by guitarist Sebastian Phillips, offers a dense, heavy sound that enhances the album’s impact. The guitar tones are filthy, and the interplay between Phillips and Harvey is seamless. Likewise, the vocal dynamics between the high-pitched Harvey and the low tones of Sewage demonstrate a chemistry that has grown over years of touring and collaboration.
Speed and Aggression
True to the album’s theme of destruction, Red Asphalt excels during high-speed tracks like “Iron Graveyard” and the swift “Symphorophilia.” The explosive opener “Unsafe at Any Speed” sets the tone with a frenzied blend of growls and guitar solos. While the album balances various tempos, a slight shift toward more aggressive tracks could have enhanced its overall dynamic.
Conclusion
Beneath their gory aesthetic, Exhumed possesses a sense of humor that permeates their discography. Red Asphalt is a solid addition to their catalog, though the familiarity of its themes lends it a darker aura than expected. This album serves as a stark reminder of the everyday dangers lurking on the roads we traverse. Proceed with caution.
FAQs
What is the main theme of Exhumed’s album “Red Asphalt”?
The main theme revolves around the dangers and brutal realities associated with car culture, exploring the violence and carnage that can occur on the roads.
How does “Red Asphalt” compare to Exhumed’s previous albums?
While maintaining their signature sound, “Red Asphalt” demonstrates a level of evolution in their musical style, incorporating influences from foundational bands like Carcass and Entombed.
Who produced “Red Asphalt”?
The album was produced by guitarist Sebastian Phillips, who contributed to its dense and heavy sound quality.
What are some standout tracks from the album?
Standout tracks include “Shovel Head,” “Unsafe at Any Speed,” and “Iron Graveyard,” which showcase the band’s ability to blend speed and aggression effectively.
Is “Red Asphalt” suitable for new listeners of Exhumed?
Yes, while it contains the band’s signature gore and themes, it also offers engaging music that could appeal to new listeners as well as long-time fans.
