This best of compilation counts 15 raw and violent tracks of which the majority is taken from the first three albums. Just 5 tracks are from the later albums Kill After Kill (1992), The Dark Command (1997) and their last album Blood Of Tyrants (2000). You name a classic and it’s on the record: “Blackwitch”, “Heavy Metal Maniac”, “Violence And Force”, “Rising Of The Dead”, “Pounding Metal” and lots more. A personal disappointment is the choice for “Brutal Warning” from the ‘Blood Of Tyrants’ album, instead of “Martial Law” or “Metal Crusaders”.

The old – almost ancient – songs from 20 years ago which became famous throughout the years sound fresh and extremely aggressive. These aggressive and razor sharp songs can be compared to the songs of Blood Of Tyrants, which sound quite equal. The songs on New Testament sound very much like the early Exciter, but they have turned out way darker and more aggressive.

They also lost the ‘cult’ sound of which the first album Heavy Metal Maniac and the second album Violence And Force are so known for. But, that isn’t really a problem, this CD is a bloody great compilation: lots of old songs, some new songs, screaming and roaring vocals from Jacques Bélanger. Jacques replaced Dan Beehler from the album The Dark Command and he’s been doing an excellent job since, of course it’s a shame Dan Beehler isn’t there but Exciter couldn’t have had a better replacement, and Bélanger lets us know once again.

In short, nothing should keep you from buying this album. If you want to get to know Exciter: get it. If you’re a die-hard Exciter fan from their first album in 1983: get it!