The power of the old school is coming your way. It might sound modern, but the old, yet intricate, feel of the music will kick you harder than you will be able to endure. I must say that I was shocked to know that this band, EXELOUME, is actually Norwegian and not American as I first thought. But hey, nowadays as the music progressed and is being spawned to the entire world, only a wizard will be able to tell the difference without knowing in the first place.

Taking their first official step, after two demos, EXELOUME, via ViciSolum Productions, unleashed their debut "Fairytale Of Perversion". If you were looking for something somewhat more complex than your customary Thrash / Death act, I believe that EXELOUME will satisfy your hunger. To shed some light, this Norwegian band is one of the most American things I have heard in a while, and I am talking about something a bit older than the new things laying around nowadays from the states. This is an interesting mix between the aggressive characters of EXODUS, both modern and classic, alongside the deathly progressive nature of the late DEATH.

Although I think that the material should always come first, I can't deny my great appreciation of the sound production of this release. The entire project was handled by producers Rune Stavensli and the famous Dan Swano. Swano did the mixing and mastering. Those two created a monstrous sound that even charged Andy Sneap's works on EXODUS as the overall quality was excellent. As a rhythm guitar fan, I was amazed to hear such a chunky sound and a hefty drum set. Moreover, the lead guitar sound was impressive as well. That is what Thrash Metal really needs. Many producers that work on similar projects should take reference from this one.

"Fairytale Of Perversion" has some great ups to offer and those topped the shortcomings. In front of the great production which I mentioned, the material offered by this crew was striking. So many breaks, artistic melodies, articulate solos (some credited to the guest performance of Andy LaRocque) and gigantic riffages should provide this band a widespread recognition. I was blasted by "Psychopath", which served as this album's most violent and thrashy tune. Also "Faceless Children" turned up the heat even higher with more complex sections while running away from the traditional structures. Of course there were "Fairytales Of Perversion", "Locus Ceruleus" and "Tool Of God". I would say that from these examples, Chuck Schuldiner (R.I.P.) would have been satisfied with the result. I think that some of the riffs and lead guitar licks, as you might also find on "Faceless Children", would bring turn up some memories of the artist's glory days of the 90s.

If this is album presents that beginning, I hope it would continue in the same vein. I don't believe that this crew should consider any progress because they have sent a message that they were already progressed. Ok, they didn't actually invent everything and they did take some examples from the big boys, but in a way they did well in order to start the foundation up. Old school Metal, in EXELOUME's way, is good for the soul and if you would like to find yourself or even more appreciate the old mania, share your perversion and tell everyone about it.