German thrash metal band Exumer has shared the music video for “Blinding Skies” from its new album “Death Mask Messiah,” out now via Metal Blade Records.
“Driven by a relentless barrage of riffs, the song’s lyrical content highlights the consequences of political overreach and the influence of the military-industrial complex—pushing society into prolonged conflict that benefits a few at the expense of many,” vocalist Mem V. Stein said. “It’s a perspective we feel is important to highlight, given the platform we have and the current climate.”
“Death Mask Messiah” is Exumer’s first new studio output in seven years. Its 11 songs were produced by Dominic Paraskevopoulos (Kreator, Caliban) and mixed and mastered by Arthur Rizk (Soulfly, King Diamond).
Recorded from December 2025 through January 2026, “Death Mask Messiah” is Exumer’s sixth album and fourth for Metal Blade. It’s also the first Exumer LP with the rhythm section of drummer Jerome Reil and bassist Alex Voss. “You can feel their young energy, coupled with our trademark aggression and experience,” Stein said. “The band sounds more focused and yet raw, thanks to their addition to the lineup.”
The record is inspired conceptually by U.S. politics of the past decade, the pandemic and the use of misinformation to stir up cultural divides. Stein also mused on the 30-year anniversary of Waco, Texas, and the standoff with the Branch Davidians. “David Koresh was a false prophet and wore a death mask, manipulating and leading his followers to certain death,” he said. “Each song picks up an individual theme of these two strains of thought.”
With “Death Mask Messiah,” Exumer wants to help listeners not feel alone as they struggle with difficult personal or universal times. “Fans sing along, they show up and share their thoughts with us on tour,” Steain said. “I feel accomplished when I can reach just one individual and make them feel better or supported.”
The record also includes a guest and a cover song: Nasty Ronnie Galletti from American metal band Nasty Savage sings on Exumer’s version of his band’s track “Unchained Angel.” Exumer supported the band in 1988 on its first European tour.
“Death Mask Messiah” is out now on CD-Digipak and digital formats, as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
- 180g Black
- “Galaxy” Red/Black
- “Saturn” Grey/Brown Ripple (Ltd. 250)
- “Onyx” Black Ice w/ White Splatter (Ltd. 250)
Preview/purchase the record at metalblade.com/exumer.
“Death Mask Messiah” track listing:
1. Death Mask Messiah
2. Blinding Skies
3. Sin Bleeder
4. Eradication
5. Ravishing Waste
6. Allocated Savagery
7. Serpent
8. Fratricide
9. Scorcher
10. Frozen Ground
11. Unchained Angel
Tour dates:
9/19/2026 Bosphorus Open Air Metal Fest – Istanbul, TR
10/23/2026 Nuclear Winter Festival 2026 – Hirschaid, DE
11/21/2026 Alcatraz & Pluto Festival – Deinze, BE
2/20/2027 Endzeit Festival 2027 – Essen, DE
3/20/2027 Hell’s Heroes – Houston, TX
5/27–30/2027 Maryland Deathfest – Baltimore, MD
6/26/2027 Nackenbrecher Open Air – Teuchern, DE
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