Exhorder
Formed: 1985
From:
New Orleans,
LA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Exhorder News
Below is our complete Exhorder news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Displaying records 41 - 60 of 69 1 2 3 4 Last
Exhorder & Billy Milano Footage Available
Mike Holderbeast directed video footage of Billy Milano performing (S.O.D., M.O.D.) the S.O.D. track "United Forces" with Exhorder in Austin on April 16, 2011 has been posted online. You can check out the clip below.
Report
Reunited Exhorder Slaughters Austin
Exhorder and Rigor Mortis reunited to drive a metal stake into the heart of Texas. Both bands haven’t released a proper album in two decades, split up in the ‘90s and reunited (Exhorder in 2008, Rigor Mortis in 2005) to play select live shows. Rigor Mortis occasionally makes the three-plus-hour drive south to play Austin, but this performance was the first in 19 years for Exhorder. If not for promoters Motorbreath Entertainment, most in attendance would still be virgins to Exhorder’s “Anal Lust.”
Before Exhorder made its glorious return, local acts The Blood Royale, Hod and Dead Earth Politics took the stage. The Blood Royale opened the show with a crusty mix of old hardcore, grind, thrash and punk. Featuring JT of stoner rockers Dixie Witch, the band bombed the crowd with a furious attack of D-beats. During the group’s sound check, Exhorder vocalist Kyle Thomas told me they sounded good. I nodded and said they remind me of Motorhead. Guitarist/vocalist Timmo had a definite, Lemmy-type scruff in his voice.
Since forming in 2006, Hod has overcome band changes and come together as a cohesive unit. Decked out in black jeans and black leather vests, the group held their instruments like swords and shields, eagerly awaited front man Beer Reeb’s battle charge: “We are Hod and we play fucking metal.” Once he gave the signal, much metal playing ensued. The members' hair swirled in unison to the death/black/thrash/speed witches brew that one can only categorize as metal. I formerly described their music as a mix of Marduk and Morbid Angel. While those influences are still apparent, newer songs “Beware the Death Horse,” “In the Den of Wolves” and “Beneath the Mountain of the Scorpions” offer a greater range of sounds. Check these guys out on their tour supporting Marduk.
Dead Earth Politics played loud and aggressive. Their take on the groove metal sound proved a good choice to open for Exhorder. I can’t provide many details about their set because I was socializing at the time. Rigor Mortis and Exhorder gave them a big thumb up, though, and Rigor Mortis said they were friends with the band.
The crowd greeted Texas thrash legends, Rigor Mortis with banging heads, pumping fists and the occasional flaying knee and elbow. Singer Bruce Corbitt stalked the stage like one of the many serial killers described in his gore-strewn lyrics. His yelled vocals possessed a crossover flare reminiscent of Kurt Brecht of D.R.I. The group’s use of only one guitarist outlined Corey Orr’s punky bass lines and Mike Scaccia’s wild guitar solos.
Corbitt held his custom chain-link microphone stand out to the crowd to help sing infectious chorus lines from cuts like “Re-Animator” and “Die in Pain.” The group showcased more material from the self-title debut such as “Demons” and “Slow Death.” During “Slow Death,” Corbitt looked at the crowd with hateful lust during the lyric “I have this knife/It's a good knife.” The group played “Cattle Mutilation” from their “Freaks” EP and launched into two new tracks “Bloodbath” and “The Infected.” These tracks will not disappoint the Rigor Mortis fans who have waited 20 years for a new album. The new material could have blended in with any of the horror thrash Rigor Mortis played in the late ‘80s that made a large impact on death metal.
Earlier in the evening, Kyle Thomas complained of an ache in his knee while we ascended the hard metal staircase to the green room for an interview. He said his knee hurt because he thought he could do things on stage that he did 20-years ago. Exhorder looks much older than they did on You Tube videos from their “The Law” tour, but the group was still full of energy and they played to perfection.
Kyle Thomas’ regular, tough voice was in perfect condition. The only time he seemed to falter was during a long scream, which he briefly lost but regained. Jorge Caicedo silently counted each beat and hit every note. Even though this was only his second show, he knew the material well. Earlier in the show, he had expressed his desire to be a permanent member of Exhorder. Caicedo replaced Frankie Sparcello who unexpectedly died before the tour. His performance, hard work and cool demeanor should play in his favor.
A large photo of Sparcello held in easel provided a way, as Kyle Thomas put it, for the band to take Sparcello on the road and as a memento for his fans and band members. Bands throughout the night gave their condolences, but the grief of his passing faded when Exhorder launched into their material. The group opened their set with “Death in Vain” and “Homicide,” two fast numbers from the “Slaughter in the Vatican” album. Vinnie LaBella and Jay Ceravolo picked their guitars with the wrist-tearing speed displayed by Dark Angel and Slayer. Then, Thomas and bunch launched into material from “The Law.”
The chugging groove found on this album has led to a million conversations and arguments about Pantera plagiarizing Exhorder’s style. Whether they did or not, I’m not going to rehash these ideas, one listen to the album will bring to light similarities. “I am the Cross” and the title track enthralled the crowd to a slow-but-bruising swagger. My personal favorite “(Cadence of) The Dirge” was the musical embodiment of all that is Exhorder. This track tempered groove with speed and even epic doom metal movements.
Having once played in Trouble and with Floodgate, tattooed with the Trouble logo on his arm and wearing a St. Vitus wristband, it is safe to say Thomas likes doom metal. Exhorder did the gods of gloom and doom, Black Sabbath, proud with their rendition of “Into the Void.” The crowd received this cover with added energy. Immediately after jamming the Sab, Exhorder played another cover. This time, they brought out Austin local (transplant) Billy Milano to sing his S.O.D. song “United Force.” By the now, the crowd had gone complete ape shit. Billy, Kyle, Vinnie and the bunch embraced as friends while shouting the song’s title.
Before the crowd did the “Milano Mosh,” Seth Davis displayed his drumming genius in a five-minute solo. Davis regularly teaches drum clinics, releases instructional videos and was once dubbed “The World’s Fastest Drummer.” Starting with a short kick-drum beat, Davis built momentum until all of his appendages were firing rapid, multiple beats. He switched his sticks from side to side while the crowd stood in agog. This solo was not only entertaining, but also it allowed the guitarists time to switch instruments. Both guitarists took over the bass for a couple of tracks Caicedo was still learning, but before the solo, these changes ate up some of Exhorder’s set time.
About midway through their set, Kyle Thomas brought out a football. He asked the crowd if they had ever played “skankball.” This sport was a bit like rugby. He threw the ball into the crowd and whoever could hang onto it and bring it to him would get a free prize from the merch table. Nobody was hurt in the mad scramble and one dude even retained the ball. I wonder what award they gave him.
Exhorder closed their set in the same fashion as they opened it—with swift, neck-wrecking numbers from “Slaughter in the Vatican.” Thomas introduced “Slaughter in the Vatican” by stating that track really got him into trouble back in high school. The level of blasphemy did not hit home until one of his friends from the crowd told me he went to a Catholic school. The title of set closer “Anal Lust” was somehow even more insulting than the Pope murdering scenario of the previous song.
Those who attended this show have used many expressions to describe this special concert. Billy Milano’s guest spot, a rare Exhorder performance, Exhorder coming to town not frayed by the passing of their good friend and band member, a set list of classic thrash tunes by two under recognized forces in the thrash community and killer local acts are all ammo to fire at your Central Texas metal friends who stayed home that evening.
Go here to view photos of the show.
Billy Milano Joins Exhorder on Stage for SOD Song
Metal/hardcore legend Billy Milano joined Exhorder for a performance of the classic S.O.D. song "United Forces" in Austin, Texas on April 16th. "United Forces" appeared on S.O.D.'s 1985 crossover classic "Speak English or Die." Short for Stormtroopers of Death, the now defunct S.O.D. was a a thrash/crossover super group featuring Scott Ian and Charlie Benante of Anthrax, Danny Lilker of Nuclear Assault, and Billy Milano of M.O.D.
The April 16th show was one of three dates scheduled on Exorder's mini-tour. The recently reunited Exhorder played Fort Worth, Texas, at The Rail Club the night before and left Austin for their New Orleans, Louisiana performance at The Hangar scheduled for the following night. Texas thrashers Rigor Mortis joined Exhorder on the two Texas dates.
The Austin show was Jorge Caicedo's second show as bassist for Exhorder. Caicedo filled the vacancy left by recently deceased Frankie Sparcello. Sparcello's cause of death has yet to be determined.
Check back in with Metal Underground for an upcoming show report on Exhorder's Austin performance and interview with Exhorder front man, Kyle Thomas.
Exhorder Hires Bassist Jorge Caicedo
Exhorder has tapped New Orleans bass player Jorge Caicedo for the upcoming tour with Rigor Mortis. Exhorder was planning initially planning on having one guitar player play bass instead, but many feared the songs would not sound the same.
Jorge, from The Great Void and Built to Destroy, will be joining Exhorder in the place of recently deceased Frankie Sparcello for the shows in Fort Worth, Texas, at The Rail Club on April 15th, Austin, Texas at Emo’s on April 16th, and New Orleans, Louisiana, at The Hangar on April 17th (where Frankie’s memorial was held on April 3rd). He may also be playing with the band at Maryland Death Fest in late May. Jorge claimed he is “very excited about it.” He has not had much time to prepare and has been learning Exhorder’s bass lines for just over a week, but the band and people who know him have every confidence in his abilities as a musician.
Report
Frankie Sparcello Memorial Held in New Orleans
A memorial was held this past Sunday for Frankie Sparcello, bassist of the legendary band Exhorder, at the Hangar in New Orleans, Louisiana. The reception included his remains displayed on a pedestal, many pictures of Frankie with his friends and family and friends, and a few friends, including Kyle Thomas, who spoke about their favorite moments with Frankie.
Kyle Thomas stated after the memorial, "Thanks to everyone that came to share our last gathering with Frankie. It's been tough for all of us, but it seems like his family really appreciated everything yesterday. That's good enough for me!"
Frankie Sparcello's obituary ran in the Saturday edition of the Times Picayune. It reads: "Frank 'Frankie' Sparcello, Jr. departed this Earth on Tuesday, March 22 2011 at 9:32 a.m. He was 40 years old. Frankie was very loved and is dearly missed by family, friends and fans of his music. An extremely talented musician, he was best known in his field as the bassist for international recording act Exhorder.
Frankie toured the United States and Europe with the band in the 90's and was the current bassist since the band returned to performing in 2009. He was the father of Nikolas Andrew Clogher and Isabella Maria Clogher; and step-father of Lauren and Kali Payne. He is also survived by his wife, Bobbi Sparcello; father Frank Sparcello Sr.; mother Jan Nox, sisters: Pam Ridgel and Jan Sparcello. He had two nephews: Christopher Fontaine and Philip Ridgel, and two nieces: Candice Fontaine LaBiche and Stephanie Ridgel. The family will be holding a memorial on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Harvest Family Church, 43052 Yokum Rd., Hammond, LA 70403. (I-12 Service Rd/ Frontage Rd).
Anyone wanting to do a eulogy is welcome and in lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated. The members of Exhorder and friends are holding a celebration of Frankie's life on Sunday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at The Hangar, 1511 South Rendon St., New Orleans, LA 70125. Family friends, and fans of his music are all welcome."
Crowbar Pays Tribute To Late Exhorder Bassist
Sludge metal veterans Crowbar have posted a message online paying tribute to Frankie Sparcello, the bass player of fellow New Orleans metal outfit Exhorder, who passed away yesterday of presently unknown causes.
The message reads as follows:
"The members of Crowbar would like to send their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and bandmates of Frankie Sparcello. We found out last night of his untimely passing, and are all shocked, and saddened. We've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with frankie on many occasions, and have known him for many, many years. You will be missed brother. R.I.P."
Breaking News
Frankie Sparcello Of Exhorder Deceased
Frankie Sparcello, the bassist of New Orleans band Exhorder, passed away today. There will be more information released as we receive it.
His bandmates, friends, and fans everywhere are grieving today as they await the information on his tragic death.
Kyle Thomas (Exhorder vocalist): "Don't know quite what to say, so I will say I love you and see you on the other side some day. For those that are unaware, Frankie Sparcello of Exhorder passed away yesterday. What was supposed to be a birthday gathering for me now will include toasting his life and friendship tonight at Pat's Pub."
Jimmy Bower (EyeHateGod guitarist and Down drummer): "Thoughts go out to Frankie's family and friends... Damn dude just saw ya last week.. RIP"
Flesh Parade: "Would like to send our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Frankie Sparcello of Exhorder. R.I.P."
Bruce Corbitt (Rigor Mortis vocalist): "RIP Frankie Sparcello of Exhorder! Man, I admit I am shocked about this tragic news. I just saw him at the Down show in Houston 2 weeks ago and he seemed fine. I was really looking forward to having fun with him in a few weeks at the Exhorder/Rigor Mortis shows. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and bandmates!"
Footage from the band's recent performance at the Hangar bar in New Orleans in December is available online: More...
Exhorder Performance Footage Available
Footage has been posted online of reactivated New Orleans act Exhorder performing the song "Slaughter in the Vatican" at The Hangar with the bands new drummer Seth Davis. The clip can be viewed below.
Revocation Streaming Exhorder Cover
Revocation is currently streaming a cover of Exhorder’s "Death In Vain" online now via the band’s official Facebook page. Their rendition of the "Slaughter In The Vatican" album opener appears as the Japanese bonus track on the band’s Relapse debut "Existence is Futile."
Revocation’s Dave Davidson commented on the cover track: "Exhorder have been a huge influence on Revocation since day one. 'Death in Vain' is such a classic thrash song and we're all very pleased that we were able to pay homage to one of our favorite bands."
Final Line-Up Confirmed For Maryland Deathfest
The final line-up of days and bands has been confirmed for the 2011 edition of the Maryland Deathfest. The 2011 edition of Maryland Deathfest will take place between May 26th to May 29th at Sonar in Baltimore.
Thursday, May 26th:
CATHEDRAL
TRAGEDY
BUZZOV*EN
EXTORTION
LACK OF INTEREST
FLESH PARADE
MIASMAL
WITCHAVEN
NOISEAR
SHITSTORM
Friday, May 27th:
NEUROSIS
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY
EXHUMED
AURA NOIR
MARDUK
GOATSNAKE
KYLESA
MACHETAZO
FUNEBRARUM
NOCTURNAL
HATRED SURGE
NAILS
PULLING TEETH
Saturday, May 28th:
VOIVOD
EXHORDER
DOOM
IMPALED NAZARENE
DESTROYER 666
HAIL OF BULLETS
INQUISITION
HOODED MENACE
DROPDEAD
CIANIDE
ACID WITCH
AVULSED
BLOOD FREAK
DEVOURMENT
THE KILL
CRETIN
DEFEATED SANITY
MAMMOTH GRINDER
CREATIVE WASTE
INNUMERABLE FORMS
MASAKARI
Sunday, May 29th:
CORONER
NUCLEAR ASSAULT
DEATH BREATH
LOCK UP
ORANGE GOBLIN
REPUGNANT
CITIZENS ARREST
DEAD CONGREGATION
REGURGITATE
LAST DAYS OF HUMANITY
WORMED
CRIPPLE BASTARDS
MALIGNANT TUMOUR
NOKTURNEL
GRAVEHILL
NIGHTBRINGER
BAD ACID TRIP
OAK
VISVERAL DISGORGE
Death Breath Confirmed For Maryland Death Fest
Sweden's Death Breath is the latest band to be confirmed for the 2011 edition of the Maryland Death Festival. Next year's festival will take place from May 26th - 29th, 2011. Further details on the festival can be found at this location. The currently announced lineup is as follows: More...
More Bands Announced For Maryland Death Fest
New Jersey based death metal band Funebrarum is the latest act to be confirmed for the 2011 edition of the Maryland Death Fest, which is set to take place from May 27th - 29th in Baltimore. The currently announced lineup is as follows:
Acid witch
Aura noir
Avulsed
Bad acid trip
Blood freak
Cianide
Citizens arrest
Corrosion of conformity
Creative waste
Cretin
Cripple bastards
Dead congregation
Defeated sanity
Devourment
Dropdead
Exhorder
Exhumed
Funebrarum
Goatsnake
Gravehill
Hail of bullets
Hatred surge
Hooded menace
Impaled nazarene
Innumerable forms
Inquisition
The kill
Kylesa
Last days of humanity
Lock up
Machetazo
Malignant tumour
Mammoth grinder
Marduk
Masakari
Nails
Neurosis
Nightbringer
Nocturnal
Nokturnel
Orange goblin
Pulling teeth
Regurgitate
Repugnant
Wormed
Exhorder Rock Hard Festival Footage Posted Online
Some professionally filmed video footage of re-activated New Orleans metal band EXHORDER performing the song “Death In Vain” at this year’s installment of the Rock Hard festival in May in Gelsenkirchen, Germany has been posted online.:
First Bands Confirmed For Maryland Deathfest 2011
The organisers of the Maryland Deathfest have announced the first ten confirmations for next year's edition of the festival. Among them are recently reunited death metal outfit Exhumed, reactivated groove metal instigators Exhorder and Italian grindcore veterans Cripple Bastards, as well as Impaled Nazarene, Repugnant, The Kill, Wormed, Blood Freak, Cretin and Nightbringer. The festival will take place from May 27th-29th. Stay tuned for further information.
Report
Crowbar and Exhorder Together After 20 Years
For the first time in over twenty years, two amazing metal bands from the sludge-covered city of New Orleans shared a stage. The crowds came out in droves for the show, bearing the freezing temperatures to see what will be considered a landmark show. There were many familiar faces in attendance, but the large amount of middle-aged non-metalheads was staggering. I can only speculate that these people came because Exhorder was one of their favorites as a kid, and even though they don’t like metal anymore, they wanted to see a band from their youth. It was similar to the crowd from their first show in years in November 2009 that had even less younger people. Regardless of the differences in the crowd, everyone had a great time watching the incredible event unfold. More...
Exhorder, Crowbar Announce Metal Gras Appearance
For the first time since 1992, Exhorder and Crowbar will share the same stage at Metal Gras 2010 on Friday, February 12th with Flesh Parade opening. The show will take place at The Hangar, located at 1511 S. Rendon in New Orleans during the biggest weekend of Mardi Gras. Tickets are $20.00 with doors at 9pm. The show starts at 10pm.
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Exhorder Returns to the New Orleans Scene
After more than twenty years since they rocked the New Orleans scene to its core, Exhorder is still together, ready to destroy anything in its path. Ending a rather long break of eight years, the men of Exhorder proved that they aren’t done making extremely heavy punk, hardcore and metal mixed music. Exhorder was merely laying in wait, holding the fans in agonizing anticipation and striking at the perfect moment to ensure a kill. And, believe me, they killed everyone at that venue with extreme prejudice. More...
Column
Sunday Old School: Praise Exhorder
New Orleans extreme metal band Exhorder has often been cited for creating the sound that Pantera made famous. While the sound on their two classic albums, "Slaughter in the Vatican" (1990) and "The Law" (1992), was a little more extreme, sounding more like a thrashy death metal band than Pantera, the band complained of the final mix and did not approve of it. To be honest, they were still more extreme than Pantera and other thrash/groove bands that would rise to stardom in the 90s. The band broke up in 1992, still fairly underground, meaning many of today's metal heads may never have even heard of them.
Exhorder frontman Kyle Thomas went on to front other bands such as Floodgate, Trouble, and Alabama Thunderpussy among other less notable bands.
Exhorder reunited for a few shows in 2008 and announced their intention to re-record some new material as well as produce new material.
Here is a classic Exhorder video of "Slaughter In The Vatican" performed in Heidelberg on October 9, 1992, with a bonus video after the jump.
Headline News
Alabama Thunderpussy Is No More
Just minutes after watching the debut episode of the HBO horror series “True Blood” and the scene in which a character in a bar is wearing an Alabama Thunderpussy t-shirt, guitarist Erik Larson issued a statement that the band was breaking up — and it had nothing to do with “True Blood.”
“The beginning of 2008 brought yet more upheaval in the saga that is this band when [singer] Kyle Thomas (Exhorder) left the group to focus on his family and the impending Exhorder reunion,” wrote Larson. “The remaining four of us had a band meeting and after serious discussion, decided to take a much-deserved/needed few months’ hiatus to regroup and focus on home life and other individual projects. The ‘few months’ seemed to flow into a bit longer as the summer progressed and we all dug deeper into our lives as individuals outside of ATP.
“Well, we finally regrouped and after much deliberation and thoughtful discussion, we have decided to end the band. There are no hard feelings between us and no bullshit politics. It’s pretty much just the end of an era. To quote George Harrison, ‘all things must pass.’ And so, after 12-plus years of solid ATP mayhem, we call it a day.”
Exhorder Plans To Re-Record Some Classic Songs
Clearly unhappy with the final production on their earlier albums, "The Law" and "Slaughter In The Vatican," recently regrouped metal band Exhorder is planning to re-record half a dozen or more classic songs to include with their new release. Additionally, they are asking their fans' input on which songs to re-record. You can read Vinnie LaBella's entire rant about the production on the old albums and give your feedback on your favorite songs to have re-recorded on their MySpace blog.