Exxplorer United States

"Although only having released four albums, Exxplorer certainly deserve the title of metal veterans, having been at it since 1982, and this brand new release really takes the listener back to the metal of the 80s. First off, the style itself is straight up 80s metal with similarities to classic metal acts like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Running Wild and the like, and the influence of NWoBHM seems especially prevalent on the album. Thus, Exxplorer deliver solid riffage, rocking soloes, harmonic guitars, and lots of rock 'n' roll atmosphere on this release. We are not dealing with groundbreaking music, but, if you like your 80s metal, then "Vengeance Rides an Angry Horse" should be absolute ear candy for you. The production is a bit raw and fuzzy and the guitars are razor sharp while the drums have a really rattly sound, and, if your ear is tuned in on pristine and polished modern productions, then it might take a couple of listens to get adjusted to the raw and dirty sound on this album, but I do think that the fuzzy guitars and raw production add a certain authenticity to this album, which I appreciate. Fans of larger-than-life 80s metal should definitely check out this raw rocking heavy metal release. (review originally posted at metalmusicarchives.com)"