"The Massacre" is the sixth studio album by the Scottish punk rock band, The Exploited. This album, released in 1990, marked the band's transition from punk to a crossover thrash sound, and is considered to be one of the earliest examples of fast hardcore punk and crossover thrash. It was met with a mixed response due to this shift in style, but has since been recognized for its influence in the hardcore punk scene.
The album features some of the fastest Exploited tracks and notable songs like "The Massacre" and "Dogs of War". Compared to their previous music, this album is much heavier and faster, taking on speed metal elements. "The Massacre" was backed by a consistent lineup compared to the band's previous releases. Its lineup consists of Wattie Buchan on vocals, Wayne Tyas on bass, Willie Buchan on drums, and Gogs on guitar.
The album also contains some non-traditional punk rock elements such as lengthy, intricate solos and a slightly higher production value. The band has since continued to experiment with their sound but "The Massacre" stands as a significant milestone in their musical evolution. Despite the mixed initial response, the album remains one of The Exploited's most popular releases.
