Exciter

Exciter is a Canadian speed metal band from Ottawa. They are considered one of the pioneers of speed metal and were a major influence on the early thrash bands that followed. Despite regular lineup changes, the band has managed to keep a small fan base for more than 25 years. In 1978, the band Hell Razor was formed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It consisted of drummer and singer Dan Beehler, guitarist John Ricci, and bassist Allan James Johnson. In 1980, the band changed its name to Exciter and recorded a demo, which they sent to Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records. Varney included one of their songs, World War III, on the compilation US Metal Volume II in 1982. Shortly after, they signed with Shrapnel Records. In 1983, they released their first studio album, Heavy Metal Maniac.