Country: Canada
Genre: Epic Doom / Progressive Metal / US Power Metal
Release: 2026
For fans of: Queensrÿche, Crimson Glory, Warlord, Lost Horizon, Fates Warning, Atlantean Kodex.
The Canadian Exxûl are the new endeavor of virtuoso guitarist Phil Tougas (known from First Fragment, Cthe’illist and Worm), who appears here under the alias “Defender”. Their debut, “Sealed into None”, is out via Productions TSO and is a grandiose ode to ’80s Progressive and US Power Metal, built on sturdy Epic Doom foundations. With an all-star lineup (including “Spectre” of Atramentus on keys) and four lengthy compositions exceeding eight minutes each, the band delivers an atmospheric, dungeon-synth-inspired journey.
Tracklist :
- 1.Bells Of The Exxûl 02:34
2.Blighted Deity 10:30
3.Walls Of Endless Darkness 08:05
4.Labyrinthine Fate 08:59
5.The Screaming Tower 14:32
REVIEW : If you’re tired of ultra-technical, “plastic” modern prog metal, get ready for a proper electric shock. “Sealed into None” is a time machine that takes you straight back to the era when Queensrÿche and Crimson Glory reigned supreme. The album rests on the backs of two incredible performances: that of vocalist “Stargazer” and that of “Defender” (Phil Tougas) on guitars. Stargazer sounds like an unearthly blend of Geoff Tate, Midnight and Daniel Heiman. The range of his voice is insane – from deep, almost theatrical lows, he lands within seconds in falsettos that crack armor (listen to the climax of “The Screaming Tower”). And just when you think you’ve recovered, Tougas crashes in and throws some of the best guitar solos of recent years at you, as on the opener “Blighted Deity”.
The four 8-minute+ tracks cleverly use their length, moving over heavy, epicallyrical doom riffs. Yes, perhaps the rhythm parts momentarily take a back seat in front of this unholy recital of vocals and guitar, but they keep the pulse ideal, making the listen addictive. The production is warm, pure ’80s (maybe I’d want the bass a click higher, but that’s a trifle) and perfectly embraces the nostalgic, epic atmosphere. Exxûl took an old, traditional recipe and executed it to perfection, creating something that seems unimaginably innovative for today’s prog landscape. A masterpiece that easily gets 9/10 and demands your attention.
