Some metal albums hit you with a thrash metal attack, while others drag you into a darker world of death metal. This time, we’re putting Exodus and Hypocrisy against each other.
Exodus released “The Atrocity Exhibition… Exhibit A” in 2007, while Hypocrisy released “A Taste of Extreme Divinity” in Europe on October 23, 2009. Two albums, two different approaches, and plenty of reasons to turn up the volume.
But if you could take only one home, which one would it be?
Exodus – The Atrocity Exhibition… Exhibit A (2007)
Exodus came back swinging with “The Atrocity Exhibition… Exhibit A”, an album produced and engineered by Andy Sneap and released through Nuclear Blast. It also marked the return of longtime drummer Tom Hunting who rejoined the band earlier in 2007.
The title was inspired by J.G. Ballard’s experimental novel The Atrocity Exhibition, which fits the album’s dark and aggressive feel. This is Exodus doing what they do best: fast riffs, angry vocals, and thrash metal that doesn’t sit still for long.
Tracks like “Call to Arms”, “Riot Act” and “Funeral Hymn” are among the key songs to check out. “Riot Act” even got a music video, while “Funeral Hymn” served as the album’s single.
And then there’s the strange surprise at the end. After “Bedlam 1-2-3” fades out, the album leaves a long stretch of silence before a country and bluegrass version of Exodus classic “Bonded by Blood” kicks in. Yes, banjos and thrash metal can meet — and Exodus gave fans a good reason to stay until the very end.
The album received generally solid reviews, with scores including 7.8/10 from Metal Storm and 8/10 from Metal-Temple. It’s a record for fans who want their thrash metal raw, aggressive, and full of attitude.
Hypocrisy – “A Taste of Extreme Divinity” (2009)
Two years later, Hypocrisy bring their own kind of attack with “A Taste of Extreme Divinity”. Released in Europe on October 23, 2009 the album mixes melodic death metal with thrash elements and darker, atmospheric moments.
Peter Tägtgren handled vocals and guitars, alongside bassist Mikael Hedlund and drummer Horgh. The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Tägtgren at Abyss Studio in Sweden, keeping the production work close to the band own hands.
The first song, “Valley of the Damned” kicks in fast and furious and “Weed Out the Weak” raises the ante even more with relentless drumming and fierce guitar work. Listen to “No Tomorrow” and “Alive” too. “Solar Empire” has a heavier groove with memorable guitar melodies.
Horgh drumming is one of the album strong points, shifting between fast attacks and changing rhythms without letting the music lose its weight. The melodic side gives the songs room to breathe, but there’s still plenty of death metal aggression underneath.
Album earned strong reviews from several metal publications, including 9/10 from Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles and 85/100 from Metal Reviews. Some listeners were less impressed with the production, but the record still stands as a solid choice for fans of melodic death metal with a sharp, heavy edge.
Thrash or death metal?
Exodus bring the thrash metal riffs, the attitude and the return of Tom Hunting. Hypocrisy answer with aggressive death metal, dark melodies and Horgh powerful drumming.
Both albums have their own identity, so this isn’t about pretending they’re the same kind of beast. It’s about choosing the one you’d rather play when the volume goes up.
Your turn: Exodus or Hypocrisy?
If you could take home only one album, would you choose “The Atrocity Exhibition… Exhibit A” or “A Taste of Extreme Divinity”? 🤘
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