Exodus – Bonded By Blood
Reviewed by: Blake Mossey
Review Score: 10
Introduction
Released in 1985, Bonded by Blood by Exodus stands as one of the seminal albums in the thrash metal genre. As the debut album for the band, it not only introduced the aggressive, fast-paced sound that would become synonymous with Exodus but also cemented their place among the legendary bands of the thrash scene, alongside giants like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. It remains a cornerstone of thrash metal.
Personally for me I heard this album when it first came out. Thrash was already my favourite metal genre being introduced to it by the previous mentioned bands and other bands like Exciter, Anthrax, and Razor. This album remains a album I go back to listen to regularly along with their next 2 albums too, Fabulous Disaster and Pleasures Of The Flesh. Bonded is one of my favourite metal albums of all time.
Track-by-Track Analysis
1. Bonded by Blood
The title track kicks off the album with a relentless energy. Paul Baloff’s raw, screeching and unpolished vocal delivery adds a layer of authenticity and ferocity. The lyrics, celebrating the unity and power of the thrash metal community, resonate strongly with fans, turning this track into an anthem for thrash metalheads.
“Murder in the front row, crowds begin to bang, there is blood upon the stage, bang your head against the stage, and metal takes its price. Bonded By Blood”
2. Exodus
This self-titled track is a pure thrash attack from start to finish. The dual guitar work of Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt showcases their incredible chemistry and technical prowess. The song’s structure, with its rapid tempo changes and intricate solos and let’s not forget violent lyrics to please a teenage me. (Not that I was violent, but I could dream).
“Whip out the chains and get the knife, and slay some innocent fool”.
3. And Then There Were None
A commentary on nuclear warfare and its potential consequences, ‘And Then There Were None’ slows down the pace slightly but maintains the intensity. The chugging riffs and galloping rhythm section continue the albums onslaught. Baloff’s vocals here are particularly haunting, emphasizing the bleakness of the subject matter. Apparently world leaders never listened to Exodus.
“If you live, you’ll wish you were dead.”
4. A Lesson in Violence
If you haven’t already got it through your head from the first 3 tracks now you get ‘A Lesson in Violence’. Another slab of thrash metal brutality. The aggressive riffing and blistering solos are complemented by Baloff’s commanding vocal presence. The album was originally going to be titled ‘A Lesson In Violence’ but they couldn’t come up with a album cover concept so they came up with a good and evil attached babies and went with Bonded by Blood.
“I love to stab my victims until they’re dead a knife to the throat or a smashing blow to the head.”
5. Metal Command
‘Metal Command’ is about, you guessed it, Metal!! They leave the thoughts of violence to rip through a headbanging, fist pumping metal anthem.
“fists are in the air. banging everywhere thrashing to the sound faces melting down it’s time to fight for metal tonight.”
6. Piranha
My favourite track on the album about my favourite type of fish, ‘Piranha’. All the tracks are fast but to me this just feels faster. A mosh pit starter, Thrash to death. No pun intended. This song always makes me think of Piranha 3D. Others it might bring thoughts of the original Piranha or others in the series. Everything is blistering fast on this one and ripping solos.
“If you think you can beat deadly school, if you think you can win, your a fool”
7. No Love
‘No Love’ starts with a deceptively calm intro before launching into full-throttle thrash mayhem. For forty seconds you might be sensing a ballad or instrumental. But that ends abruptly. The contrast between the melodic beginning and the subsequent onslaught of riffs demonstrates Exodus’s versatility. The lyrics, dealing with betrayal and vengeance. So I guess it is sort of a love song or ‘No Love’.
“Welcome to My Sacrifice, Tonight there will be no love”.
8. Deliver Us to Evil
This track delves into darker themes, featuring lyrics that explore the macabre and sinister. The extended instrumental sections provide an opportunity for the band to display their technical prowess through intricate solos and complex rhythms. It is the album’s longest track, spanning 7 minutes.
“In my grave down below, Hells fire start to grow”
9. Strike of the Beast
The closing track, ‘Strike of the Beast,’ ensures that the album ends on a high note. It’s an all-out assault on the senses, with blistering speed and ferocious energy. Which can be said for the whole album really.
“you can feel the power rage within your soul when you die you go to hell and live… forevermore”
Production and Legacy
The production of Bonded by Blood, handled by Mark Whitaker, captures the raw and unrefined energy of Exodus. While it may lack the polish of later releases, but we get that with a lot of bands debut albums especially back in the 80’s.
In terms of legacy, Bonded by Blood has influenced countless bands and the band continues to play to this day which is a testament to this timeless classic.
Conclusion
As I stated earlier this was my first Exodus album so whenever I listen it always takes me back to that time and the enjoyment it was to discover something new and they didn’t really sound like their predecessors like Metallica, Slayer etc. Will always remain a classic thrash album to me.