Executionist is a relatively new thrash/death metal band from the U.S., formed in 2020. They previously released an EP, making Sacrament of the Sick their debut full-length album. The first thing that strikes me after a single listen is just how much this sounds like Children of Bodom. The melodic guitar work is there, and the band structures their songs in a similar way to the Finnish legends. On top of that, Brett Ash’s vocals aren’t too far off from Alexi Laiho’s. However, Executionist doesn’t use keyboards, and their riffs lean more toward thrash metal than what Children of Bodom were known for.
Still, Executionist sound fierce, and fans of melodic death and thrash metal — like Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy, and Kreator — will likely appreciate what these Americans have to offer. The album also features killer cover art by Mitchell Nolte. It’s somewhat surprising that Sacrament of the Sick is self-released and not put out by a label, because there’s real commercial potential here.
Released May 16th, 2025 independently.
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