• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Exumer is a band that is mainly known for this record, Possessed by Fire, which was released in 1986 in the long shadows cast by Eternal Devastation, Obsessed by Cruelty and perhaps most importantly Pleasure to Kill. While this album is tinged with the filthy energy you'll often hear on early German thrash metal releases, Exumer sound decidedly less evil compared to their Teutonic peers, and instead draw more on the heavier sound of the US scene. The riffing bears strong resemblance to particularly Slayer, but there are also references to Exodus and early Metallica to be found all over this album. This is easily heard on songs like the title track, "Fallen Saint" and "Sorrows of Judgement." They also sprinkle on some NWBOHM-like elements ("A Mortal in Black") and bring a certain punky flair to sharpen their aggression.

While this album does not really contain anything out of the ordinary, it exudes a lot of energy that is unleashed in a frenzied manner. Vocalist Mem von Stein is fundamental to this particular characteristic, spitting insanity with every vocal line over the chaotic riffage courtesy of Bernie Siedler and Ray Mensh. The production is a little dirty but nice and thick, making the songs sound chaotic, mean and heavy. The songs sound a little messier than they really are; some of it is due to the mentioned dirt (the good kind) in the production, but also because several songs, while relatively short, are slightly schizophrenic in character, with tempo shifts and switch-ups galore. This feature fits well considering that this album is all about that frantic aggression and not technical prowess.

Some (well, many) of the songs on here may trigger memories of many a great thrash band be it US or German, but the truth is that Possessed by Fire is an underrated but menacing old-school thrash metal debut, that brought together many of the good things of a genre that grew needlessly stale a couple of years later.