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Czas sumienia (1988)
Egzekuthor's Czas sumienia demo was released in 1988. This is solid thrash with influences from Sodom and Slayer, especially the proto-death riffs reminiscent of Hell Awaits. The vocals are good enough but not as harsh as I expected, considering I discovered the band through the Hateful Subconscious demo. The vocal delivery here is still effective, adding to the raw aggression of the music without being over-the-top.
The production is a little flat, and a sharper guitar tone would have added to the aggression, but there’s a certain charm to it. This kind of gives the demo an underground feel that works in its favour. I actually prefer this kind of sound over the cleaner, more polished production Kat used on their second and third albums. The music is intense and very solid, and this rawness gives it a more authentic feel.
Standout tracks include "Widmo wojny", "Zakąska" and "Czas sumienia". All are great examples of the band's fierce energy and evil riffs combining to create a dark atmosphere. That said, the whole demo is very consistent with no weak points or filler. Czas sumienia is a demo that defines Egzekuthor’s early sound and proves they were far ahead of many of their contemporaries. On this recording, Egzekuthor had a darker feeling than Wilczy Pająk and was much more consistent in songwriting and execution than Turbo. This is definitely worth a listen and when you do so, turn the volume all the way up for maximum effect.
The production is a little flat, and a sharper guitar tone would have added to the aggression, but there’s a certain charm to it. This kind of gives the demo an underground feel that works in its favour. I actually prefer this kind of sound over the cleaner, more polished production Kat used on their second and third albums. The music is intense and very solid, and this rawness gives it a more authentic feel.
Standout tracks include "Widmo wojny", "Zakąska" and "Czas sumienia". All are great examples of the band's fierce energy and evil riffs combining to create a dark atmosphere. That said, the whole demo is very consistent with no weak points or filler. Czas sumienia is a demo that defines Egzekuthor’s early sound and proves they were far ahead of many of their contemporaries. On this recording, Egzekuthor had a darker feeling than Wilczy Pająk and was much more consistent in songwriting and execution than Turbo. This is definitely worth a listen and when you do so, turn the volume all the way up for maximum effect.
(6 May 2025)
Hateful Subconsciousness (1990)
In the summer of 1990, Egzekuthor returned to Studio ARP in Szczecin to record the Hateful Subconsciousness demo. The sound here is much more vicious and aggressive, largely thanks to the vocals of Grzegorz Miszuk (of Merciless Death). His voice fits the material perfectly, adding a lethal, evil edge to the whole demo.
Musically, there’s a stronger death/thrash influence this time around. Once again, the production leaves something to be desired, with the drums too prominent in the mix, making it feel a bit clunky. However, the sharper guitars and searing lead solos give the tracks a fiery intensity that complements the vicious riffing. The band plays with such ferocity that they trade tightness for raw power, giving the whole demo an explosive, untamed feel. It’s a shame Egzekuthor never gained more recognition. What they accomplished with this demo beats the absolute hell out of what bands like Kreator or Sodom were doing at the same time. While those bands were putting out weak albums, Egzekuthor were still delivering high quality, punishing thrash releasing these demos on their own.
By the late '80s and early '90s, most thrash bands had softened, but Egzekuthor were still delivering intense, raw thrash in Eastern Europe. Hateful Subconsciousness is a testament to their potential, and it’s highly recommended. Highlights include "The Final Attack" and "Merciful Death (After Merciless Life)".
Musically, there’s a stronger death/thrash influence this time around. Once again, the production leaves something to be desired, with the drums too prominent in the mix, making it feel a bit clunky. However, the sharper guitars and searing lead solos give the tracks a fiery intensity that complements the vicious riffing. The band plays with such ferocity that they trade tightness for raw power, giving the whole demo an explosive, untamed feel. It’s a shame Egzekuthor never gained more recognition. What they accomplished with this demo beats the absolute hell out of what bands like Kreator or Sodom were doing at the same time. While those bands were putting out weak albums, Egzekuthor were still delivering high quality, punishing thrash releasing these demos on their own.
By the late '80s and early '90s, most thrash bands had softened, but Egzekuthor were still delivering intense, raw thrash in Eastern Europe. Hateful Subconsciousness is a testament to their potential, and it’s highly recommended. Highlights include "The Final Attack" and "Merciful Death (After Merciless Life)".
(7 May 2025)
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