It is time once again to praise the gods of speed metal for they have bestowed upon us another truly remarkable vintage thrash album. This time it is the newest release from Bay Area thrashers Exodus. Since their 1985 debut album, “Bonded By Blood, ” Exodus has been steadily kicking ass and taking names. They are back in supersonic style with their 10th studio album, “Blood In Blood Out.”
The record features the return of Steve “Zetro” Souza on vocals, his first album with the band since 2004. His angry vocals are the perfect match for the lightning guitar attacks from Gary Holt and Lee Altus, two of the absolute best around, and the bottom heavy sounds of Jack Gibson on bass and Tom Hunting on drums. The opening track “Black 13” begins surprisingly with an electronica introduction but blasts off into a full out thrash attack. The aggression continues with the title track and “Collateral Damage” and just doesn’t let up.
There is no time for a break as the brutality goes on and you must be ready for the next assault on the senses. There are a few guest suprises as well with a solo by Kirk Hammett on “Salt the Wound” and a vocal spot from Chuck Billy of Testament on “BTK.” A not to be missed track is “Body Harvest” with the evil ramblings of Zetro and just epic guitars.
Under the production of Andy Sneap, “Blood In, Blood Out” is a masterpiece of oldschool thrash with sick leads and violent vocals. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time to 1987, even down to the album art by Swedish artist Par Olofsson. Hallelujah! Exodus is back!
