Maximum Metal Rating Legend

The Haunted Exit Wounds Company: Century Media Release: 2014 Genre: Reviewer: Greg Watson

Straight-to-the-point aggression

The Haunted is one of those bands that will forever be equated with the "Gothenburg"--melodic death--sound. Formed from the ashes of At the Gates, The Haunted continued to bring the "Gothenburg" sound to the forefront of metal. With the reformation of ATG being announced earlier this year, The Haunted underwent some personnel changes. Returning to the fold are former vocalist Marco Aro, whom I'm a huge fan of, and Adrian Erlandsson returning to handle the drumming. That being said, I wasn't sure what to expect out of this album as the last few releases from the band had been lackluster for me. But once "Cutting Teeth" kicked in, I knew I was in for a treat. With a sound that harkens back to 'The Haunted Made Me Do It' days, 'Exit Wounds' is a vicious uppercut to the jaw. From start to finish, it's clear the latest incarnation of The Haunted wanted straight-to-the-point aggression. Tracks like the aforementioned "Cutting Teeth", "My Salvation" and "Kill the Light" are perfectly crafted songs. Not going over the four minute threshold, the songs pack a punch like an MMA figher on crank. As the album played, I found myself constantly banging my head and throwing the horns up. This album, in my humble opinion, is a return to form for The Haunted and an album that places them once again at the forefront. Production is nothing short of perfect, as we've all come to expect with the band's releases.