Artist: Exeloume
Title: Fairytale of Perversion
Type: Album
Label: Vicisolum Productions

Forming a few years ago in Norway, this band has a love for Bay Area Thrash, and early Death Metal. The overture of sound is predominantly in the thrash camp, but there is something that sets them apart from the majority, and there have been so many thrash bands out there in the past few years. The vocals are harsh, heavy, and indeed, very American. In the heavy stakes, we are talking Testament’s ‘The Gathering’ or current Exodus’ output. Some of the death output has some atmosphere, some progressive chapters and even a little melodic black metal in places.

Becoming a hybrid of one’s self is rather refreshing, at least it is not all one dimensional chug and play thrash. That interesting element means the listener does not know where it will go next; take ‘Ignorance is Bliss’ for example, the time changes and pick up and slowdown in pace justifies numerous listens. That aforementioned black metal influence possibly stems from producer Rune Stavensli, with his involvement in Keep of Kalessin, the band have subsequently laid down some of these influences during ‘Blind Billions’. Pantera features as a influence, especially whilst you “Share My Pain (Stalingrad)”, the “cowboys”..era that is. Ripping guitar licks and tight bridge palm mutes ensure a stellar showing, pretty much summing up everything that is pleasurable in this genre over the past 25 years or so. ‘Hellhole’ expels early death metal tirades and drum work, and looking at the guest musicians invited to attend this premier music offering, well, there are none more metal than Dan Swanö and Andy LaRoque.

The layout and SS uniform clad Skeleton on the front cover artwork (by Ed Repka) lends itself to B-movies of old, but the red and black colour mix on the tray card cover reminds me of Ilsa, that would be She Wolf of the SS of course. Not to detract from the music, it is rather comforting to see some sense of controversy and indeed perversion rather than standard toxic, nuclear war type figures in artwork terms that is normally associated by Mr Repka. Out of all the influences mentioned, the Oakland/Bay Area would be very proud to welcome such an act from the northern extremities of Europe. Musically, they fit like a well-worn pair of shoes, but have the ability to bring a fresh outlook to a once again stagnant scene filled with copycats. ‘Fairytale of Perversion’ has staying power; it has a wicked outlook on the world and is an essential album.

http://www.myspace.com/exeloumethrash

http://www.vicisolum.com

Paul Maddison

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