Exodus
“Blood In Blood Out”
Nuclear Blast
Tracks: 11
Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
“Blood In Blood Out” is the newest release from bay area thrash legends Exodus. This is the bands 10th studio release and, the first to feature Steve “Zetro” Souza since 2004. The album is being released via Nuclear Blast records and features 11 ear splitting tracks that harkens back to the early 80’s when thrash metal reigned supreme.
Right from the start “Blood In Blood Out” commands your attention as it the track “Black 13” kicks off the album with a thunderous kick drum and eerie overdubs flanked by building guitars riffs that build in to a full on ripping symphony helmed by newly rejoined front man Steve “Zetro” Souza. As the album progresses through tracks like “Blood In Blood Out” and “Collateral Damage” it’s clearly a riff driven album that is unrelenting in its approach. A perfect example of this is the track “Salt The Wound” which features former Exodus guitarist and long time Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett who lays down his signature styling’s along side Gary Holt and the rest of his former band mates making this track a must listen. The assault continues as you move through tracks like “Wrapped In The Arms of Rage” and “Honor Killings” both of which had me turning the volume up louder as the tracks progressed.
Even though I found some of the lyrical subject matter to be a bit over the top I still enjoyed the album as a whole. All of the musical arrangements were perfectly executed and well thought out as each track kept me on edge due to the sheer power and presentation of all 11 tracks. The overall mix of the album wasn’t too bad however I felt a little more bass guitar could have been brought in the really round out each number. Exodus fan or not the album is worth giving a listen.
Track Listing:
1.) Black 13
2.) Blood In Blood Out
3.) Collateral Damage
4.) Salt The Wound
5.) Body Harvest
6.) BTK
7.) Wrapped In The Arms of Rage
8.) My Last Nerve
9.) Numb
10.) Honor Killings
11.) Food For The Worms
