Don't call this a comeback by any means,
Exodus has set the standard for thrash metal in the eighties by releasing classic albums like
Bonded by Blood and
Pleasures of the Flesh and has continued to release phenomenal material, regardless of some releases that might be considered "bumps in the road." However, when it comes to the "bumps in the road," nothing could have ever been prepared the band and the fans for the sudden death of original frontman Paul Baloff, who rejoined the band in the nineties, after being absent for nearly a decade; sadly this happened at a time when
Exodus was beginning to write new material for a new studio album.
Carrying on like any strong band would,
Exodus found themselves reuniting with, ironically, their longtime frontman Steve Souza, who was a member beginning with Pleasures of the Flesh to the overly commercial Force of Habit, which was the beginning of the breakup, which eventually became a hiatus until 1996.
With their latest release
Tempo of the Damned, it is the ultimate return to the style that they, among few others literally created. To say the least, this release can be summed up with one phrase; it is the return to thrash metal that we have waited for. With the musicianship tighter than ever, the songwriting back in place, and the focus on the prize.
Aggressive through and through beginning with the tongue-in-cheek
"Scar Spangled Banner," through riff driven
"Blacklist," to the technical approaches of
"Shroud of Urine" and
"Sealed with a Fist," all complete with blistering guitar solos courtesy of the dueling leads and thick crunch of Rick Hunolt and Gary Holt, played with real precision letting the music speak for it's own aggression. Souza shines again with his demonic gravely vocal prowess, adding more punch to
"Throwing Down" and bringing the evil side of anger to
"Culling the Heard." Against the guitars and vocals is the strong rhythm section of both Jack Gibson (bass) and Tom Hunting (drums), playing more than subdued low end and rhythmic patterns.
With these ten tracks completing this record, there is no bullshit involved. Strictly for fans of classic
Exodus, Slayer, and early death Angel, but then again this is an
Exodus record, and that itself sums it all up, and all kidding aside, if you don't own any
Exodus records, this could even be a starting point for the novices, considering that this is not far fetched at all from their early material.
You will be forewarned, this album has enough energy to wear you out, you wake up in the morning feeling energetic, then you put this album on, you will feel tired, your jaw will drop, so accept no substitutes, there aren't many contemporary thrash bands that can really stand up to this record.
Written by
Hashman Monday, February 9, 2004
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