Executionist | Sacrament Of The Sick | Independent

    Executionist was formed in 2020 in Gallagher, West Virginia, by teenage brothers Brett and Tristan Ash, who were just 17 and 13 at the time. Their first release, the EP "Destined For Destruction," came out in early 2021. Two years later, they dropped the "Genesis 666" single, further developing their sound. For a time, the band played live as a duo, until Austin Rose joined on bass in 2024. In 2025, guitarist Mike Kinder completed the four-piece lineup. That same year, the band prepared their debut full-length, "Sacrament Of The Sick," recorded at their home studio and produced entirely by the Ash brothers.

"Sacrament Of The Sick" is a thrash metal album built with dedication and youthful force. From the first note to the final seconds, Executionist keeps the music fast, energetic, and direct. Influences from Kreator and Children Of Bodom can be felt, especially in the tempo shifts and guitar parts, but the band has shaped the songs with their own ideas and personality.

The performances are tight. The guitars are sharp and aggressive, with twin harmonies that cut through the mix in a precise and balanced way. Riffs are crafted with attention and have a strong sense of structure, while the leads bring in melodic parts without slowing the momentum. The drums drive the pace with constant movement and power, and the bass adds depth behind the chaos. Brett Ash’s vocals are intense, rough, and consistent throughout the album.

There is a clear focus on writing songs that stay memorable without losing impact. The music avoids becoming too complex or too simple, and the production supports the band's goal. It sounds natural and powerful, without extra weight or distractions. The track lengths are well chosen, keeping the energy up without tiring the listener.

The flow of the album works smoothly, with an intro that prepares the mood and a closing track that ends things with force. Even though there’s no need to go track by track, it’s clear that each song was treated with care. "Serrated Shadows," the pre-release single, is a strong example of the band’s current direction.

Executionist sounds like a band that has grown quickly, and "Sacrament Of The Sick" is a strong step forward. It has enough variation to hold interest and enough consistency to define their sound. The album leaves a solid impression and shows what a young thrash metal band can achieve with focus, intensity, and hard work.

Score: 7.7