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.