ASPHYXIA “Exit: Reality” /LP/

The first re-release of the debut full-length studio album by cult Belgian Thrash Metal band.
Asphyxia was formed in Verviers, Liège, Belgium, in 1987 and released 3 demos and one full length album. It was the first band for Christian Olde Wolbers (now Vio-Lence, ex-Fear Factory, ex-Cyclone, and even playing live at Korn and Overkill) he played in, succeeded Calo after the album was released.
During the early days of the 80s, acts as Ostrogoth, Crossfire, Acid, Cyclone and others used to show the strength of Belgian Metal scene. But as time passed by and attention shifted to USA Thrash Metal growing scene, it seemed that things there cooled down. And some bands choose the worst moment possible to release albums: when USA charts were taken by Alternative Rock tendencies. This made many good bands' releases to never earn the attention they deserved. In 1991, "Metallica" album made Metallica a huge name, and other Thrash Metal bands on USA had to follow the tendency (it was a do or die thing), and things had frozen on Germany. In other words: to stay on a USA classic Thrash Metal way influenced by early works of Metallica, Megadeth, Exodus and others (in other words, the combination of aggressiveness with melodic care) was a suicide, but the Asphyxia made it.  In 1991, the quintet tried its lucky with their only full-length, "Exit: Reality", that is reissued now.
Their music is technical and aggressive, but done with extreme care on the arrangements, with tons of energy and personality, what many Thrash Metal fans would ask for, but found a wall on the musical market changes back then. André Gielen worked as producer and on the sound engineering, giving the band a very good sonority that obeys the models heard on albums as "Peace Sells…" and "Fabulous Desaster". In other words: it's aggressive and nasty, but with a defined and clean outfit. And the artwork of Eric Philippe for the cover is really great.
Strong and aggressive, with very good vocals, sharp and insane guitar riffs and oppressive bass guitar and drums playing, this album makes the happiness of Thrash Metal fans. Today, "Exit: Reality" stays as a legacy for Asphyxia's existence. And if you're a Thrash Metal maniac, you must hear it!
Vic Records, 1991/2024 (VICLP352LP). Made in Netherlands.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Capital Punishment 5:02
2. Violence First 3:47
3. Slice Of Death 4:04
4. Health For Sale 6:08

Side B
1. Paranoia Time 3:41
2. The One Who Minds The Worm 4:11
3. One Big Family 4:31
4. Where Shadows Are Dark 4:03
5. No Thanks 4:31

Total playing time: 39:58 min.


https://vicrecords1.bandcamp.com/