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Californian hardcore/thrash metal crossover crew EXCEL to reissue debut, Split Image via Southern Lord this August‏

April 25, 2014

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CALIFORNIAN HARDCORE/THRASH CROSSOVER CREW, EXCEL TO REISSUE DEBUT SPLIT IMAGE VIA SOUTHERN LORD THIS AUGUST
   Following their 2013 reunion, the Californian hardcore/thrash metal crossover band EXCEL have since teamed up with Southern Lord and are reissuing their debut album, Split Image (originally released through Suicidal and Caroline records). Widely regarded as a classic album, Split Image was produced by Randy Burns (Death, Possessed, Megadeth, Kreator, Suicidal Tendencies).

The reissue will contain bonus material and includes Sonic Decapitation, Personal Onslaught and Refuse To Quit demos, Welcome To Venice and Thrasher compilation tracks, plus, alternative album cover art and photo booklet which has never been seen before. It marks the first time the record shall be available on vinyl since it was originally released in 1987. EXCEL will also be releasing a replica of their second demo, Personal Onslaught, as a limited edition pre-order item, also including their third demo Refuse To Quit on the b-side.

Having formed in 1984, EXCEL released three studio albums as well as a number of demos and singles.  Equally informed by punk rock’s attitude and heavy metal’s riffs, EXCEL‘s fast, grinding and heavy sounds, combined with their intelligent lyrics, set them apart as a genre defining band of the era.

The current line-up – which includes Dan Clements on vocals, Shaun Ross on bass, Mike Cosgrove on drums and Alex Barreto on guitar – shall play a showcase in New York at Brooklyn’s St Vitus on Tuesday June 17th.

We hope that this is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for EXCEL.

Maybe there is life in Venice, CA, that doesn’t involve the beach; iron pumpers and Suicidal Tendencies, since that’s all you seem to hear about. Yes? Of course, there is always EXCEL! Their demos were major impression sessions and now with the release of their first album “Split Image”, the direction of EXCEL is officially exposed. Combining a rabble-rousing attack of metal with deep hardcore roots, the outcome is thick and heavy with sudden excursions into the rapids. EXCEL is definitely brick material, hard and sturdy. Not suffering from snare core, they advance with sonic power and creep forth with an awesome fatness.– Pushead – Thrasher Magazine 2/1988

 

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