Alcatraz Line up: 2024

Since their reformation in 2008 the German thrash veterans in Exumer no longer take the typical career approach but their releases have still garnered praise as textbook examples of the genre. Exumer was initially successful between their formation in 1985 and the official split in 1991. Albums ‘Possessed by Fire’ (1986) and ‘Rising from the Sea’ (1987) are regarded as two of the best cult thrash metal releases ever to come out of our neighbouring country. A one-off show at Wacken Open Air in 2001 produced a spark that burst into life in 2009, when vocalist Mem V. Stein and bassist Ray Mensh poked up the fire. They’re not the most prolific band around but whenever they do release new stuff, it’s right on the money; Try ‘Hostile Defiance’ (2019), an album that can stand alongside their stellar first two slabs.