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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)
Hateful Subconsciousness (1991)
In early 1991, Egzekuthor recorded their first full-length, Hateful Subconsciousness. For whatever reason, it was never released, and the tapes just sat on a shelf collecting dust for nearly two decades. The band broke up the following year, with two of the guys reactiving Merciless Death.
This is vicious death/thrash from Poland with songwriting that is rooted in the '80s. Many of the riffs hearken back to Hell Awaits, Bonded by Blood, Seven Churches and Obsessed by Cruelty. All of the material from the 1990 demo were re-recorded, along with six additional tracks, this time with a much better production job. The overall sound is more raw, with the focus on the sharp and aggressive guitar riffs and blazing lead solos. The drumming is fast and intense but not high in the mix like last time. The raspy, savage vocals are reminiscent of Necrodeath and really add to the evil feeling of the music. Everything here is solid, but of the new tracks, “Welcome to Gotham” stands out for its morbid atmosphere.
It’s a crime that so many inferior albums saw release in ’91 and ’92 while Hateful Subconsciousness sat buried in obscurity. Who knows what might’ve happened if it had come out when it should have? Maybe Egzekuthor would’ve stuck around longer, though by then, pure death metal was dominating, and this kind of death/thrash was already hitting a ceiling. Either way, if you want your face ripped clean off by one of Poland’s best underground albums, listen to this!
This is vicious death/thrash from Poland with songwriting that is rooted in the '80s. Many of the riffs hearken back to Hell Awaits, Bonded by Blood, Seven Churches and Obsessed by Cruelty. All of the material from the 1990 demo were re-recorded, along with six additional tracks, this time with a much better production job. The overall sound is more raw, with the focus on the sharp and aggressive guitar riffs and blazing lead solos. The drumming is fast and intense but not high in the mix like last time. The raspy, savage vocals are reminiscent of Necrodeath and really add to the evil feeling of the music. Everything here is solid, but of the new tracks, “Welcome to Gotham” stands out for its morbid atmosphere.
It’s a crime that so many inferior albums saw release in ’91 and ’92 while Hateful Subconsciousness sat buried in obscurity. Who knows what might’ve happened if it had come out when it should have? Maybe Egzekuthor would’ve stuck around longer, though by then, pure death metal was dominating, and this kind of death/thrash was already hitting a ceiling. Either way, if you want your face ripped clean off by one of Poland’s best underground albums, listen to this!
(2 June 2025)
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