Exuvia [CD], Cage Fight, CD

Exuvia retains the raw, old school hardcore heart of Cage Fight - vibrating with meaty grooves, pummeling rhythms, and a wave of furiosity that feels like a punch to the gut. But it also explores more multi-layered terrains, atmospheres, and melodies that make Cage Fight sound bigger, tighter, and more epic than ever before. Exuvia is Cage Fight's first record with new bassist Will Horsman, who joins the original members: guitarist James Monteith, vocalist Rachel Aspe, and drummer Nick Plews. Cage Fight prove they aren't afraid to experiment, and have a bit of fun. This is illustrated on "Pick Your Fighter," which features Julien Truchan from Benighted on guest vocals, and was inspired by French pop song "Et c'est parti..." by Nâdiya - though you'd never guess it from the song's crushing heaviness. Rachel explores multiple experiences in her lyrics like anxiety, assault and dealing with grief. The expansive final track, "Élégie," is about losing her grandfather, and the regret that can come from things left unsaid. On "Pig," she calls out the creepy men who send women unsolicited messages online, while the title track was inspired by her grandmother, who is currently battling cancer, and who also helped Rachel write the lyrics for this particular song. The cover art of the album, shot by photographer Manuel Acquualeni, depicts a radiation mask, connecting both to Rachel's experience with her grandmother, and to the album's title. It was recorded by Sam Bloor at Lower Lane Studios and mixed by Jim Pinder (Sleep Token, Malevolence).