EXUMER Returns With Crushing New Thrash Metal Assault “Death Mask Messiah” Arriving August 28th via Metal Blade Records
German Thrash Metal Veterans Unleash Their Most Aggressive Chapter Yet With New Album, New Single, and A Return To Pure, Uncompromising Metal Fury
German thrash metal legends EXUMER are set to unleash their sixth studio album, Death Mask Messiah , arriving August 28, 2026 through Metal Blade Records . The highly anticipated follow-up marks the band’s first new studio offering in seven years and finds the longtime thrash institution delivering one of the most aggressive and focused records of their career.
With a legacy forged in the fires of 1980s German thrash metal, EXUMER continues to prove that experience, attitude, and pure aggression never go out of style. Death Mask Messiah pushes the band into heavier territory while maintaining the raw intensity and unmistakable spirit that has defined their sound for decades.
The album features 11 blistering tracks produced by Dominic Paraskevopoulos (Kreator, Caliban) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Soulfly, King Diamond), bringing together old-school thrash fury with a powerful modern production.
Co-founding vocalist Mem V. Stein explains:
“We are a lot more aggressive than on Hostile Defiance and are returning to a more ‘in your face’ style on Death Mask Messiah. We’re furthering the process that began with our first offering for Metal Blade, 2012’s Fire & Damnation, where we wanted to sound like a contemporary band while maintaining the spirit and our musical heritage of the 1980s.”
Recorded between December 2025 and January 2026, Death Mask Messiah is the band’s fourth release through Metal Blade Records and introduces EXUMER’s new rhythm section featuring drummer Jerome Reil and bassist Alex Voss. Their arrival brings fresh energy to the band while strengthening the crushing foundation that fans have come to expect.
According to Mem:
“They have formidably integrated themselves as musicians and friends into the EXUMER tapestry. You can feel their young energy, coupled with our trademark aggression and experience. The band sounds more focused and yet raw, thanks to their addition to the lineup.”
The album also features a special collaboration with American metal icon Nasty Ronnie of Nasty Savage , who lends his vocals to EXUMER’s cover of “Unchained Angel,” a track originally performed by Nasty Savage. The collaboration carries extra significance, as EXUMER toured Europe with Nasty Savage back in 1988.
Lyrically, Death Mask Messiah dives into themes surrounding modern political manipulation, misinformation, cultural division, the impact of the pandemic, and the dangers of charismatic figures who exploit power and influence. Inspired in part by the 30th anniversary of the Waco, Texas siege involving Branch Davidian leader David Koresh, the album explores the destructive nature of false prophets and those who lead others toward chaos.
The album’s title track serves as the centerpiece of that vision, combining EXUMER’s trademark sonic violence with a concept built around manipulation, power, and corruption.
Mem V. Stein states:
“We deliberately chose this track as the first single, as the sonic assault of its main riff and the lyrical concept represent the totality of our intentions for this album. It marks a clear step toward elevating the band to the next level of our career, leaving nothing to the imagination and reinforcing our place as one of the most powerful forces in the entire genre.”
The artwork and layout for Death Mask Messiah were created by Björn Gooßes of Killustrations, known for his work with bands including Sodom and Vomitory .
The album will be available on CD Digipak, digital formats, and multiple vinyl editions including:
180g Black Vinyl
“Galaxy” Red/Black Vinyl
“Saturn” Grey/Brown Ripple Vinyl (Limited to 250 copies)
“Onyx” Black Ice with White Splatter Vinyl (Limited to 250 copies)
Pre-orders are available now at Metal Blade Records EXUMER Pre-Orders
Death Mask Messiah Track Listing:
Death Mask Messiah
Blinding Skies
Sin Bleeder
Eradication
Ravishing Waste
Allocated Savagery
Serpent
Fratricide
Scorcher
Frozen Ground
Unchained Angel
EXUMER Live:
10/23/2026
Nuclear Winter Festival 2026
Hirschaid, Germany
11/21/2026
Alcatraz & Pluto Festival
Deinze, Belgium
02/20/2027
Endzeit Festival 2027
Essen, Germany
EXUMER Lineup:
Mem V. Stein – Vocals
Ray Mensh – Guitars
Marc B. – Guitars
Alex Voss – Bass
Jerome Reil – Drums
With a career spanning more than four decades, EXUMER remain one of Germany’s most respected thrash metal forces. Death Mask Messiah is a reminder that true metal never fades, it only gets sharper, louder, and more dangerous.
The mask has been revealed. The Messiah has arrived. EXUMER is back.