CoC : Exoto - A Thousand Dreams Ago : Review

Exoto - _A Thousand Dreams Ago_
(Black Mark, 1995)
by: Adrian Bromley (7 out of 10)

Hailed as the leading death metal band in both Belgium and Holland, Exoto have continued to grow in both speed and metallic proportions ever since their inception in 1989. Several demos have since been completed as well as their debut CD on Belgium's Tessa Records entitled _Carnival Of Souls_ in 1994. Now a year and change since their debut, the band seems to be on fire. Reckless, brutal and full of unearthly power, the riffs and growls released on _A Thousand Dreams Ago_ are stimulating to the ear and soul. Infectious if you ask me. You just feel the anger and speed within the beats of such songs as "Screams Inside", "Spirit Within Me" or "Thoughts". With a very similar sound to England's Carcass with respect to vocals, mixed with some classic metal riffs, Exoto seems to take their death metal approach one step to the right, presenting a much more standard sounding death metal album, but with a 90's style direction and conscience. In the end, fans craving speed and metal mayhem will need to look no further as Exoto has what they want.

(article published 9/2/1996)