Although The Exploited never went away, they’re back to the studio on Nuclear Blast Records to whip up their first album in 11 years.
It is hard for me to imagine what niche market is out there that would want to see these second wave old punks back center stage. There is a nostalgic place for these acts but any kid with a buck is not going to shell it out for these guys unless they somehow think it will up their hipster cred. There is a time and a place for everything and Wattie and the Gobs deserve a nice prominent place on the punk rock shelf.
I cant say the whole band are geezers since there has been 11 or 12 guitarists, I think 9 drummers and well the only thing constant is the ‘hawk on Buchan’s head. Its his playground and as nice a guy as he may be, he really has no business in what essentially will be destroying The Exploited’s image.
I am firm believer in die young, stay pretty. They don’t have to die of course, they just need to leave us with the pleasant memories of a decade long go- not attempt to keep the angst alive while looking like someones angry grandpa. If ever a rock movement was for the young- it was punk. Let it go.
Wattie Buchan says: “After giving my word four years ago that we would sign to Nuclear Blast, it’s now official. It’s a big deal to be signing to the biggest indie record company in Europe.
“One of the main reasons we signed to them is the fact that Markus Staiger, the owner, is a big fan. I know he will give us a hundred per cent backing to make the next album as great as the last ones.”
Staiger describes The Exploited’s appearance at his birthday party last year as “a true highlight” of his career, and adds: “The shows of this band have always been and still are a very special experience. Honest, hard and snotty — just like punk should be.”
No.