Excision - X Rated

Artist: Excision
Album: X Rated
Date Released: 9/12/2011
Genre: Dubstep, Drum n Bass

Jeff Abel's debut on Mau5trap records doesn't disappoint. Under the moniker Excision, Abel has garnered widespread fame with his aggressive approach to dubstep, and X Rated is no exception. Containing very metallic qualities, most of the tracks on this release are akin to some of the Transformers dubstep remixes, but much more serious (if you're unsure as to what i'm referring to, see here) Some are quite different, however, such as the creepy anthemic-like track "8 Bit Superhero", which features some very retro game samples (no spoilers, I promise). Overall, this was not the kind of dubstep release that puts any nails in the genre's coffin, but just might make it live to see another day. The ending track even features guest vocals by Mr. Hudson (spearheading the chorus of radio hit "Forever Young"), which is fairly unconventional in my book as far as what the style usually allows. Deadmau5 picked well, and if you enjoy Deadmau5 or dubstep, pick a copy of X Rated up and enjoy!

7/10