Unveiling the Wicked

With new guitarist Brian McPhee making his recording debut with the band, it was only natural that Unveiling the Wicked (featuring one of the worst record sleeves ever) would see Exciter tweaking their sound somewhat. What couldn't be expected was just how much their more melodic new direction would turn away their fans. From a songwriting perspective, the album is hardly a calamity, mind you, but in a genre where extremity rules, any move toward the mainstream is a life-threatening proposition. Therefore, despite strong cuts like Break Down the Walls, Waiting in the Dark, and the terrific Live Fast, Die Young, obvious singles candidates Die in the Night and the atrocious I Hate School Rules simply rubbed Exciter's loyal contingent the wrong way and signaled the start of their descent into oblivion. ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide