SoCal thrash/hardcore crossover group Excel reissue ‘The Joke’s On You’ via Southern Lord this November

  SoCal punk-hardcore-metal hybrid visionaries Excel have remastered their seminal 1989 release, The Joke’s On You, to be released via Southern Lord this November 18^th.

 Originally released via Caroline Records, and produced by Randy Burns (Megadeth, Kreator, Possessed), The Joke’s On You, is the band’s second full-length which saw wide acclaim from thrash, punk, metal and “skate rock” circles (members have been known to have shared a ramp with pros Christian Hosoi, Eric Dressen and Tony Alva). Drawing influence from a diverse range of artists including Black Sabbath, Black Flag, Jimi Hendrix, and early era Corrosion of Conformity, people often talk of ‘crossover’ genres but none quite do it as exceptionally well as Excel.

 The Southern Lord reissue, remastered by Brad Boatright, includes the 12 tracks featured on the original CD edition. The closing track ‘Blaze Some Hate’ was not on the original album, it will appear on this LP reissue/remaster. This isn’t the first time Southern Lord have documented the importance of Excel either with their 2014 reissue of the band’s first album Split Image.

 Formed in 1984 from the remains of LA hardcore band Chaotic Noise, Excel caught wide attention of the masses with the release of their Personal Onslaught demo (1985). Fellow Californian thrash crossover influencers, Suicidal Tendencies, accelerated Excel into wide acclaim with frontman Mike Muir’s inclusion of them on hisWelcome to Venice compilation (1985) and releasing Excel’s debut full-length Split Image on the Suicidal Records imprint. Sold out tours and further successful releases soon followed, all which stomped over various sonic terrains whilst always spreading a punk attitude and a harboured love for heavy metal.

 It’s time to re-relish in the influential innovations of Excel’s The Joke’s On You once (and many times) more. The joke’s on those who don’t listen.

1. DRIVE

2. SHADOW WINDS

3. YOU’RE FIRED

4. TAPPING INTO THE EMOTIONAL VOID

5. AFFECTION BLENDS WITH RESENTMENT

6. SEALING INSANE

7. MY THOUGHTS

8. I NEVER DENIED

9. MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

10. GIVEN QUESTION

11. THE STRANGER

12. BLAZE SOME HATE

Dan Clements: vocals

Adam Siegel: guitar

       Shaun Ross: bass

Greg Saenz: drums

The album is now available early from the band’s webstore: http://excel.southernlord.com