Exalt
The Shape You Took Before the Ache
(Good Fight / New Damage)
Time really does fly. It’s hard to believe it’s almost been two years since Exalt’s solid sophomore record. The album found the Canadian group to be one to watch, but their post-Converge style metallic hardcore didn’t quite stand out enough from the pack. Thankfully, The Shape You Took Before the Ache (hereafter The Shape) finds the band tightening things up and releasing one joyously heavy record. It’s hard to not feel some of the same problems that plagued Pale Light still ring true for The Shape, but this album comes out of the gate with such a strong fervor that it’s easy to forgive Exalt a few faults.
Seriously though, one of the biggest problems of their last record was that Exalt felt like they had a bit of a songwriting palate (slow then fast and heavy) and didn’t deviate much from that. “Sacrifice to Purify” shows they still absolutely can nail that style, as the breakdown is truly ferocious, but most of The Shape is more calculated with doling out its sharpened riffs. Some songs feel like more sludgy numbers, while others are brooding hardcore tunes. The second half of the record finds haunting melodic singing introducing itself, and it’s done really well, especially in “Worship”. The track is one of the thrashier numbers, and it’s certain to kill live.
The album is always heavy and heavy on the atmosphere, and that’s what Exalt excels at. No matter the tempo, the songs are always fuel for some type of destruction. The band is slowly moving away from their Deathwish Inc. style into something that is beginning to feel more their own. Sure, passages and songs may feel a little familiar, but Exalt are definitely tracking up after another punishingly good record.
Purchase The Shape You Took Before the Ache here: Good Fight | New Damage
