⛧
Bonded by Blood (1985)
Released in April 1985, Bonded by Blood is the first full-length album from the legendary thrash metal band, Exodus. From the opening riffs, this album hits hard and never lets up. For all its chaotic fury, it’s filled with memorable riffs and vocal lines, proving that beneath the violence, there’s real structure and craft, something many bands tend to forget.
"Strike of the Beast" is the highlight, relentless and barbaric with riffs that feel like a kick in the teeth. This is exactly how thrash metal should sound. Other tracks like "Bonded by Blood", "Exodus", "Piranha", and "A Lesson in Violence" also possess a brutal savagery thanks to the band’s vicious songwriting. The solos are killer and the sense of aggression and brutality is felt throughout. The rough production adds to the ferocity, and it’s that same raw energy that sets this record apart from the cleaner, more polished releases that followed. Later Exodus albums never recaptured this kind of feeling. The debut sounds like a nuke about to go off, and that chaotic power is what gives it such lasting impact.
Some have said that Exodus hurt themselves by refusing to compromise, but that’s exactly what made them great. Bonded by Blood wasn’t made to appease record execs or radio listeners. It was a declaration of war. Baloff’s vocals are one of the best things about Bonded by Blood. He doesn’t sound “polished” or “controlled” because he wasn’t supposed to. His voice is pure rabid energy, like he’s actually foaming at the mouth while screaming out lyrics about violence and mayhem. His raw delivery is exactly what sets this album apart from the more sanitized thrash that came later. Anyone who complains about his vocals is missing the point. His voice is a vital part of what makes this album so destructive.
People sometimes compare Bonded by Blood to Kill 'Em All, but that comparison always feels superficial. Of course, both albums are early thrash, but Bonded by Blood is in another league in terms of intensity. Kill 'Em All is great for what it is, but it’s cleaner, more NWOBHM-influenced, and less feral overall. When it comes to vocals, Paul Baloff sounds like he’d eat James Hetfield alive. His maniacal screams are a world apart from Hetfield’s still-immature delivery, adding to the absolute carnage that is this album. The influence of Exodus can’t be overstated. Bands like Kreator and Possessed cited them as an inspiration for their own early works. However, Bonded by Blood shouldn't just be known for this reason. It stands on its own as one of the most intense and essential thrash metal albums ever recorded. This is highly recommended.
"Strike of the Beast" is the highlight, relentless and barbaric with riffs that feel like a kick in the teeth. This is exactly how thrash metal should sound. Other tracks like "Bonded by Blood", "Exodus", "Piranha", and "A Lesson in Violence" also possess a brutal savagery thanks to the band’s vicious songwriting. The solos are killer and the sense of aggression and brutality is felt throughout. The rough production adds to the ferocity, and it’s that same raw energy that sets this record apart from the cleaner, more polished releases that followed. Later Exodus albums never recaptured this kind of feeling. The debut sounds like a nuke about to go off, and that chaotic power is what gives it such lasting impact.
Some have said that Exodus hurt themselves by refusing to compromise, but that’s exactly what made them great. Bonded by Blood wasn’t made to appease record execs or radio listeners. It was a declaration of war. Baloff’s vocals are one of the best things about Bonded by Blood. He doesn’t sound “polished” or “controlled” because he wasn’t supposed to. His voice is pure rabid energy, like he’s actually foaming at the mouth while screaming out lyrics about violence and mayhem. His raw delivery is exactly what sets this album apart from the more sanitized thrash that came later. Anyone who complains about his vocals is missing the point. His voice is a vital part of what makes this album so destructive.
People sometimes compare Bonded by Blood to Kill 'Em All, but that comparison always feels superficial. Of course, both albums are early thrash, but Bonded by Blood is in another league in terms of intensity. Kill 'Em All is great for what it is, but it’s cleaner, more NWOBHM-influenced, and less feral overall. When it comes to vocals, Paul Baloff sounds like he’d eat James Hetfield alive. His maniacal screams are a world apart from Hetfield’s still-immature delivery, adding to the absolute carnage that is this album. The influence of Exodus can’t be overstated. Bands like Kreator and Possessed cited them as an inspiration for their own early works. However, Bonded by Blood shouldn't just be known for this reason. It stands on its own as one of the most intense and essential thrash metal albums ever recorded. This is highly recommended.
(1 May 2025)
Last Updated: You are Visitor #: