UMUR "Fairytale of Perversion" is the debut full-length studio album by Norwegian thrash metal act Exeloume. The album was released through ViciSolum Records in May 2011. Exeloume was formed in Trondheim in 2007 and released a couple of demos before being signed. Probably courtesy of their common past in Godsend, guitarist Tom "Welhaven" Wahl has brought in prolific Swedish musician/producer Dan Swanö to mix/master the album. Swanö also delivers guest vocals. The album features a guest guitar solo by Andy LaRoque (King Diamond) too, so Exeloume have made full use of their good connections.

Despite the Ed Repka cover artwork, which more or less screams old school thrash metal, the music on "Fairytale of Perversion" actually sounds a bit more up to date. Especially due to the professional, clear, and powerful sound production, but also because of the more technical approach to riffing and drumming, and because of the aggressive thrashy vocals. The latter mentioned features both a screaming "core" edge and an occasional semi-growling element.

The music on the 12 track, 43:56 minutes long album doesn´t exactly sound like the music of any other particular act, but it´s not terribly original or unique sounding either, it´s just a well performed, well produced, and relatively well written (the material could for the most part, have been a bit more catchy and memorable) take on contemporary thrash metal and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

Time Signature The guitar maniac...

Genre: technical thrash metal

This is a very strong debut full length by Norwegian thrash metallers Exeloume. While drawing extensively on old school thrash metal, Exeloume cannot be said to be a retro band as there are several modern elements, too, on this album, such as the occasional blastbeat and a ubiquitous influence from melodeath and, more prominently, Exeloume seem very inspired by Death.

The music is generally quite technical, and at times bordering on the progressive - just check out tracks like "The Bitsa Maniac" and "Ignorance Is Bliss" (the latter is a stroke of genius). The musicianship is very high, and in addition to technical (and more primitive) riffage, Exeloume deliver amazing guitar solos and impressive drumming (which rivals Gene Hoglan's work on "Symbolic").

This is a very well wrought thrash metal release, which is characterized by an almost perfect equilibrium between technicality and aggressiveness, and it never becomes uninteresting to listen to. In addition, the production is well defined, but not too polished, which suits the nature of the music very well.

A thrash metal jewel, this is recommended to fans of technical thrash metal as well as those who prefer more edgy melodeath, and Death fans, such as myself, should also find this album very enjoyable. It's awesome!

By the way, King Diamond and Death fans will also be interested to know that Andy LaRoque makes a guest apearance on this album, as does Dan Swanö, who also mastered it.