Excel - Split Image (1987)

Alongside D.R.I. and Dr Know, probably the coolest crossover band, I loved their 'The Joke's On You' opus, and this follows the same moshing theme. Some great songs here, given that streetwise edge and melody by Dan Clements choppy vocals. Excel followed in the footsteps of bands like Suicidal tendencies and Cryptic Slaughter, carving their own career of socially aware hardcore thrash. Excel probably lacked the weight of some of the other bands, but on a track like 'Sonic Decapitation' the rawness and attitude shines through whilst the title cut has a wicked catchy chug. These guys were teenagers when they puked out this stuff, and whilst it may not be the most complex music, it isn't meany to be, the record exists on self pride and anger, and you can guarantee that even when the experience is over you'll find those riffs stuck in your head. Excel, just like the already mentioned bands, never let you down, mixing style and punk attitude - the result? A record that leaves multicoloured bruises on the soul. Now, where's my skateboard... 7/10