What makes Slave to the Sword by Exmortus notable?

Slave to the Sword received critical acclaim for its virtuosic guitar work and dynamic compositions, helping Exmortus gain recognition within both underground and mainstream metal circles. The album's title track became particularly noted for its intensity and was featured prominently in live performances, further establishing the band's reputation. In 2014, Exmortus released Slave to the Sword as their third studio album, following the 2011 breakthrough record Beyond the Grave. This release marked a significant step in solidifying their presence in the thrash metal scene, showcasing their evolving sound and technical prowess.

How many songs are on Slave to the Sword?

Slave to the Sword has 10 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Slave to the Sword

Exmortus · 2014

49 min · 10 tracks · thrash metal

A blistering fusion of technical thrash with melodic elements, channeling raw energy and intricate musicianship.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Slave to the Sword — The title track exemplifies Exmortus' blend of speed and melody, featuring intricate solos that highlight their technical proficiency while delivering a powerful anthem for metal fans.
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Immortality Made Flesh — This track stands out with its aggressive riffs and dual guitar harmonies, encapsulating the band's signature sound while exploring themes of mortality and perseverance.
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Metal is King — An homage to the metal genre itself, this song combines relentless energy with catchy hooks, serving as a rallying cry that resonates deeply with fans of traditional heavy metal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong musicianship and dynamic compositions, though it remains within familiar thrash metal territory.

What we noticed

The album opens with a brief instrumental track that sets a dramatic tone before launching into the title track, which features rapid tempo changes and intricate guitar solos.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Rising... 3:45
2 Slave to the Sword 5:02
3 Immortality Made Flesh 5:37
4 Foe Hammer 4:27
5 Warrior of the Night 5:39
6 Ancient Violence 4:26
7 From the Abyss 5:41
8 Moonlight Sonata (Act 3) 5:29
9 Battle-Born 3:59
10 Metal is King 5:22

What to play next

Listen next

Ride Forth

2016

Go back to

Beyond the Fall of Time

2008

Full Exmortus discography Artists like Exmortus

technical thrash metal thrash metal

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