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EXUMER Return With New Album “Death Mask Messiah”
Death Mask Messiah
One of the longstanding forces of the German thrash metal scene, EXUMER are preparing to return with their new studio album “Death Mask Messiah.” Following a seven-year hiatus, the band will release their sixth full-length on August 28th via Metal Blade Records. The album’s first single and accompanying video, “Death Mask Messiah,” has also been released.
Blending the spirit of 1980s German thrash metal with a modern sense of aggression, EXUMER continue to carry the legacy of their earlier years into their latest offering with a harsher and more direct approach. The 11-track album was produced by Dominic Paraskevopoulos (Kreator, Caliban), while the mixing and mastering duties were handled by Arthur Rizk (Soulfly, King Diamond).
Founding vocalist Mem V. Stein states that “Death Mask Messiah” takes a far more aggressive direction compared to the band’s previous album, “Hostile Defiance.” According to Stein, EXUMER continue the evolution that began with 2012’s “Fire & Damnation,” embracing a contemporary sound while preserving the core identity of their 1980s thrash metal heritage.
Recorded between December 2025 and January 2026, the album also marks the first EXUMER release featuring the band’s new rhythm section. Drummer Jerome Reil and bassist Alex Voss bring fresh energy to EXUMER’s long-established aggressive sound, strengthening the band’s more focused yet raw character.
“Death Mask Messiah” explores dark and timely themes not only through its music but also through its lyrical concepts. The album focuses on subjects including the political climate in the United States over the past decade, the pandemic era, the impact of misinformation on society, and divisive rhetoric. The band also examines themes of power, manipulation, and false authority through the lens of the 1993 Waco siege in Texas and Branch Davidians leader David Koresh.
The album’s title track, “Death Mask Messiah,” stands as the point where these ideas converge both musically and lyrically. EXUMER explain that they chose the song as the first single due to its crushing main riff and the themes explored within its lyrics.
Another notable aspect of the new record is the guest appearance. EXUMER teamed up with Nasty Ronnie, vocalist of American metal legends Nasty Savage, for their own rendition of the band’s track “Unchained Angel.” The choice also serves as a reference to EXUMER’s first European tour with Nasty Savage in 1988.
The album artwork and visual design were created by Björn Gooßes of Killustrations. “Death Mask Messiah” will be released on CD Digipak, digital platforms, and vinyl formats featuring various color variants.
The album track listing is as follows:
Death Mask Messiah
Blinding Skies
Sin Bleeder
Eradication
Ravishing Waste
Allocated Savagery
Serpent
Fratricide
Scorcher
Frozen Ground
Unchained Angel
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