Exhumed

Exhumed are an American death metal band from San Jose, California, active since 1990. They work within death metal, deathgrind, goregrind and grindcore, and are one of several bands with the same name; this group is the best known of them. The band forms around Matt Harvey, the sole remaining founding member, and its line-up changes repeatedly over time.

Early years and sound

The band forms in 1991 and spends much of the 1990s releasing demos, split CDs and EPs before recording a first album. Their early material establishes a mix of old-school death metal and grindcore, including the recordings that lead to the demo Horrific Expulsion of Gore and the first split In the Name of Gore. Exhumed also play a small number of shows outside California in 1997, supporting In the Name of Gore.

Albums and tours

Exhumed release their debut album, Gore Metal, in 1998. The record becomes closely associated with their gore-heavy style. Their second album, Slaughtercult, follows in 2001 and brings a more stripped-back approach while still drawing on brutal cult-thrash influences. It helps them undertake several US tours and their first full European tour, including festival appearances at Fuck the Commerce, Obscene Extreme and Wacken Open Air.

The third album, Anatomy is Destiny, appears in 2003 and adds more complex arrangements, production and instrumentation to the band’s existing formula. Soon after it is recorded, bassist Leon del Muerte replaces Bud Burke.

Line-up changes and later releases

After co-founder and drummer Col Jones leaves, the band issues the two-disc compilation Platters of Splatter, collecting early recordings. Following further touring across the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia, guitarist Mike Beams departs and the band adds Wes Caley on guitar and Matt Connell on drums. Exhumed also record a cover album titled Garbage Daze Re-Regurgitated.

After a six-year break, the band reunites with drummer Danny Walker and releases All Guts, No Glory in 2011. The album receives strong critical attention and is followed by a worldwide tour.

Members

Members associated with Exhumed include Col Jones, Matt Harvey, Ben Marrs, Jake Giardina, Derrel Houdashelt, Mark Smith, Matt Widener, Ross Sewage, Lorin Ashton, Leon del Muerte, Mike Beams, Bud Burke, Danny Walker, Matt Connell, Wes Caley, Rob Babcock, Mike Hamilton, Matt Ferri and Sebastian Phillips.