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EXIST
Frog Bomb

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 6.5/10

When I saw the band logo I thought “thrash”, and then I saw the cover art I didn’t know what was going on! I was, however, correct first time around as Exist delivers their second full-length thrash opus from the bowels of Poland. The recording line-up on this latest effort features Kacper Tyloch (vocals and guitar), Tymek Zadrożny (guitar), Szymon Milewski (bass) and Norbert Itrich Jr. (drums).

I wasn’t familiar with the band before this so I certainly had my fresh ears on for Frog Bomb. The title track opens the album and boasts a Metallica structure; slow and moody before the combo embarks on a busy gallop. This is standard thrash but the vocals here are an acquired taste; shrill, raspy slurs which are too abrasive for the more timely and crisp musicality.

‘Crown Of Tears’ begins with a nice melodic lead and some sturdy bass work, but as soon as the harsh, almost hardcore marks enter I just want to skip. It’s a shame because musically this is a strong album showing maturity, but even when Exist propels itself into faster surges (‘Eco-Friendly Crocs’) the vocals scrape my bones. Oddly, some variation in the voice does emerge on ‘Frogs & Hoes’, but it’s more unsuitable rasps better fitting to something more crossover. However, such expressions are very generic, the sort of rants you’ll experience with a lot of today’s thrash.

Eight tracks are dished out, the best of which is instrumental ‘Swamp Sonata’, while ‘Unite’ is ballsy and brisk musically too. Obviously I can’t go round telling bands to change their vocalist, and I’m sure Exist has built up a cult following that is more than happy with the tone of Kacper Tyloch, but for me it’s just not a sound I care for, resulting in a solid thrash album but one with a major flaw.

Neil Arnold

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