Exumer – Fire & Damnation

Exumer is a German thrash band who released two albums back in the 80s (“Possessed by Fire” in ’86 and “Rising from the Sea” in ’87) and then shortly after broke up. “Fire & Damnation” is their first new album in 25 years. I have no idea what they’ve been up to all these years, but as far as comeback albums go, this one is pretty damn tasty.

“Fire & Damnation” has all the qualities that I loved about thrash metal in the late 80s but a nice, modern sounding production. I love having my cake and getting to eat it too. I always felt like thrash was poised to do some interesting things around 1990, and then Alternative/Grunge came along, and that was the end of the thrash era. I am glad that some of these bands that died off back then are starting to resurface. I have heard some rather weak albums from bands trying to capitalize off their early thrash credentials, but like I said, I think this one is very listenable.

The songs are essentially what you would expect from a thrash album – fairly fast, riff-heavy, and just enough groove to make sure you can mosh to it. The vocals are not quite clean, but I would not say they are harsh in the modern sense either. They are more of a bark/yell with a slight bit of an edge to them. They are very easy to make out compared to most metal vocals these days.

The production is not top notch million dollar slick, but it does sound very good. For a thrash band, this is just one step below a totally perfect production, and it is light years better than anything one would have heard in the 80s. I have not heard their first two albums, but I would put money down that this album sounds a lot better.

Whether you are an old school thrash fan looking to relive the glory years, or a more recent thrash aficionado, I think you will find enjoyment listening to “Fire & Damnation.” I took to it right away and am sure I will keep on spinning it after I am done writing this review. So check them out and welcome them back to the scene. Click below to hear the title track.