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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)
Pleasures of the Flesh (1987)
Released in October 1987, Pleasures of the Flesh is the second full-length from Exodus. This one is kind of a letdown, as the raw aggression of Bonded by Blood is a distant memory. This record is more controlled, precise and cold.
Though flawed, this is still a good, solid thrash metal album. There are some excellent riffs scattered throughout, and the faster material holds up well. “Deranged”, “Faster Than You’ll Ever Live to Be” and “Choose Your Weapon” are all strong tracks, with tight rhythm work and sharp leads. “Seeds of Hate” stands out for trying something different vocally. It has a delivery that feels more like something from the earlier part of the decade and reminds me a bit of the stuff you’d find on the old Metal Massacre compilations, like Attacker. The solos are another high point, sometimes even bringing King Diamond to mind. A few riffs sound similar to early Testament, on the title track and “‘Til Death Do Us Part”, which wasn't something you heard on the debut.
That said, there are issues that drag this album down. The new vocalist lacks the fury of the original, and his nasally tone borders on annoying. The production is too clean, and the drums have this stiff, mechanical sound that gives the whole thing a sterile feel. The playing is almost too tight, and the music feels colder because of it. At times, the songwriting feels dumbed down. The simplicity and catchiness of songs like "'Til Death Do Us Part" and "Brain Dead" gets old fast. Also, a couple of tracks have long, irritating intros that I always skip. When I ripped the CD, I cut them out entirely.
While Pleasures of the Flesh doesn't come close to Bonded by Blood, this is still a decent record and well worth a listen. Unfortunately, it’s also the last worthwhile thing Exodus ever released before becoming a joke band.
Though flawed, this is still a good, solid thrash metal album. There are some excellent riffs scattered throughout, and the faster material holds up well. “Deranged”, “Faster Than You’ll Ever Live to Be” and “Choose Your Weapon” are all strong tracks, with tight rhythm work and sharp leads. “Seeds of Hate” stands out for trying something different vocally. It has a delivery that feels more like something from the earlier part of the decade and reminds me a bit of the stuff you’d find on the old Metal Massacre compilations, like Attacker. The solos are another high point, sometimes even bringing King Diamond to mind. A few riffs sound similar to early Testament, on the title track and “‘Til Death Do Us Part”, which wasn't something you heard on the debut.
That said, there are issues that drag this album down. The new vocalist lacks the fury of the original, and his nasally tone borders on annoying. The production is too clean, and the drums have this stiff, mechanical sound that gives the whole thing a sterile feel. The playing is almost too tight, and the music feels colder because of it. At times, the songwriting feels dumbed down. The simplicity and catchiness of songs like "'Til Death Do Us Part" and "Brain Dead" gets old fast. Also, a couple of tracks have long, irritating intros that I always skip. When I ripped the CD, I cut them out entirely.
While Pleasures of the Flesh doesn't come close to Bonded by Blood, this is still a decent record and well worth a listen. Unfortunately, it’s also the last worthwhile thing Exodus ever released before becoming a joke band.
(30 May 2025)
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