Exodus – “Shovel-Headed Kill Machine”
Where I stand on Exodus albums: I like “Bonded by Blood,” but I don’t care too much for “Pleasures of the Flesh”. “Fabulous Disaster” has some truly excellent songs and guitar work, but it also has not so hot stuff, like “Cajun Hell.” I wish some of those songs weren’t on there. “Impact Is Imminent” is a furious, shredding force of mediocre songs; just not so good. “Force of Habit” is an album that I bought and got rid of pretty quickly, if I remember correctly. It had no power, as far as I was concerned. Nowadays I only own “Bonded”. I was not expecting much from this album. I actually did not like it at first. However, after several listens, I have changed my mind: this is a powerful, exciting, fresh, roaring work, with strong and quality songs. True, the song titled “Going, Going, Gone” has a dumb name that made someone I know say “How lame!” upon reading the title. The screamer, Rob Dukes, does sound a bit like Steve Souza, but he sounds way more committed, more genuine than Mr. Souza. Lee Altus, known for his work with Heathen, a bunch of Exodus-inspired thrashers, has now joined his favorite band. I think this album shows that it’s a good idea to have him here. Paul Bostaph, best known for his famous drumming with the Rolling Stones and the Ramones (among others), is a monster on drums here. Overall, there is an abundance of energy and a thrashing power on this release: dazzling solos, shredding riffs, and good songs with very little melody. The band sounds re-energized. It’s ugly, blunt, unsweetened thrash.