In the mid 80’s, thrash metal was the be all & end all for me. If you were a German thrash band, even better. The Teutonic “thresh meddle” bands were the business, Noise Records had most of the acts signed up and there was a constant output of quality vinyl. You had the “Big 3” of German thrash, Kreator, Sodom (my personal faves) & Destruction plus numerous other bands snapping at their heels, such acts as Tankard, Assassin & Exumer!
Fire & Damnation is the bands 3rd full length and their first album since 1987’s “Rising From The Sea”, an album I bought because A. It was German thrash & B. It had a cool cover (scary masked dude coming out of a misty sea).
25 years is a long time between albums and it’d be natural to be sceptical over the band motives / potential quality, given the current thrash revival is still going strong.
However, let me tell you…..it’s a belter!
Only two original members remain, Ray Mensch on guitars, plus original vocalist Mem Von Stein on bass / vocals (replaced by Paul Arakari on “Rising…”), but the song writing & musicianship is quality.
This album delivers proper high energy, no frills, fist in the face thrash metal, that sounds fresh with a great production.
Stand out track for me is the brilliant “Fallen Saint” with its classic thrash riff & shouty chorus. They’ve also re-recorded the punky “I Dare You” from “Rising…”.
This album is a superbly crafted labour of thrashlove from beginning to end. The band sound modern & relevant while still holding onto the classic thrash vibe. If you like modern Exodus (and you should) you’ll dig this.
Exumer were well underrated in the 80’s and it’d be a shame if this album slips away unnoticed as I fear it might. Now, if only they were supporting Sodom in November…