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Thrash died with the 80's, right? Think again. The recent album from past masters Exodus has been confounding the doubters and putting thrash metal
back on the map.
They may have been missing in action since 1997's impressive, "Another
Lesson In Violence," but Tempo of the Damned follows on from where the band
left off, in um…1988. It's an album that is unashamedly retro, proclaiming
its classic thrash heritage with every Souza snarl or Holt solo.

From the very first track, Scar Spangled Banner, the band's manifesto is
laid bare before the listener- to pummel you into submission and then pummel
you some more for good measure. The track itself, led by a gloriously jagged
main riff, is a highlight of the album; it's lyrics about American
imperialism, (America- the violent/ The indifferent) clearly inspired by
recent events.
War Is My Shepherd is another standout track- in fact the first four songs
in this album are bona fida Exodus, and indeed, metal, classics. That good.
The lyrics, as they are throughout the album, are provocative and
thoughtful, a lot of them in the same vein as the aggrieved vocals on "…And
Justice For All," or "Rust In Peace."

It is around the point that Blacklist kicks in that you begin
to realise that Souza is one of metal's unsung heroes. Currently the best
vocalist in metal, in my opinion.
The song has not only a great riff, but a very catchy (Come back….I meant in
a good way) chorus. A definite live favourite. All together now, "You better
start runnin'…"
The rest of the album continues in the same vein. Shroud of Urine is worthy
of special mention. It's lyrics about religion, "God isn't great/Just an
icon of hate," being standard, and controversial fare here. Prefaced by a
thudding bass line courtesy of Jack Gibson, it also features a brand new
addition to the English language in 'Cruci-fucked,' as well as boasting, the
best solo on the entire CD, no mean feat for one of this stature. Not bad
for four tracks in.

Elsewhere, among a plethora of amazing riffs, Souza rages
about population growth in Culling The Herd, and charmingly suggests
sterilising those who are, "To ignorant to ever succeed." One red-faced
Classic rock reviewer wrote that the following song, "Sealed With A Fist,"
advocates violence against women. In fact, it's the exact opposite, although
no less disturbing.
The band even has the confidence to include a song that was initially
composed in the Kirk Hammett era, with an intro reminiscent of Metallica's
Seek and Destroy. Midway through the song, at following a chugging riff, the
other instruments fall away, to be replaced by a Whiplash-esque riff which
is guaranteed to have mosh pits seething.
The title track closes the album with another four minute burst of
ferocious riffing, "Don't fight the power surge," somewhat summing up the
whole album.
European versions of the album also include a surprisingly well-worked cover
of ACDC's, 'Dirty Deeds…"

The whole album epitomises the kind of Bay Area thrash that
Death Angel, Testament, Metallica, and of course, Exodus themselves
perfected in the mid-1980's. Exodus have managed to make, not just an
excellent comeback album, but an album which has amazingly catchy hooks
while still maintaining it's incredible heaviness.
The twin guitar attack of classic thrash is utilised to ever
greater intensity, the bass is heavy as hell, and the drums and vocal are
perfectly pitched in the mix.
Production-wise, for a band that don't exactly possess a budget like, for
example, fellow 80's thrashers Megadeth, the album sounds perfect. It has
that unmistakeable thrash sound, with the emphasis in all the right places,
carefully balanced, and with a great guitar tone. Mssrs Hetfield and Ulrich,
stop talking at the back, and take notes!
Dismissed for too long as being metal has-beens, Exodus have delivered what
already looks to be the album of the year with this focused and brutal
assault on the ears- and with guitarist Gary Holt aiming to be back in the
studio by November, Exodus look set to once again reign supreme. "We are
all leaders of the horde," Souza growls on the title track. Exodus most
certainly are now.