Haunter
07-09-2004, 10:08 AM
(EDIT: I'm just after reading the post about posting reviews that have been done already in past threads instead of starting a new thread. I tried to delete this and move it but can't see any way to do it, sorry, will take a look at reviewed pinned topic anymore.
Also, some people were saying that good reviews should be song-by-song. I think with an album like TOTD such an approach would have been far too cumbersome and inappropriate- I have focused on a number of songs however; this album is best taken as a 'whole' or overall sound. thanks for reading and for comments in advance.)
Exodus- Tempo of the ****ed (Nucleur Blast, 2004)
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00014AQ3G.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
EXODUS IS:
Gary Holt- Guitars
Steve Souza- Vocals
Rick Hunolt- Guitars
Tom Hunting- Drums
Jack Gibson- Bass
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 admittedly impressive, “Another Lesson In Violence,� but Tempo of the ****ed 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.�
The third song, Blacklist 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’…� Steve Souza is definately one of the foremost metal vocalist at the minute. he manages to 'sing' with a menace and heaviness many other singers lack.
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-****ed,’ as well as boasting, the best solo on the entire CD, no mean feat for one of this stature. We're only four tracks in by the way; good eh?
Elsewhere, among a plethora of amazing riffs, Souza rages about population growth charmingly suggesting sterilising those who are, “To ignorant to ever succeed,� in Culling The Herd.
One (now red-faced) Classic rock reviewer wrote that the song immediately after, “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, 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.
Also worth noting is the fact that 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.
Minus points? Well, like a lot of albums from the genre, there isn't that much variety on show here.Exodus have their blueprint and they are determined to stick to it. There's no In My Darkest Hour or Cemetary Gates on the reord. But then again something like that wouldn't fit the overall tone of the album. Like certain other well-documented bands, Exodus as a band were nearly finished until certain members got their act together. This album is a triumphant celebration of Exodus- the band.
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.
IN A NUTSHELL: Verdict- 8/10- 4 STARS; borders on the formulaic at times but otherwise a welcome comeback from the band who delivered the original thrash attack.
Also, some people were saying that good reviews should be song-by-song. I think with an album like TOTD such an approach would have been far too cumbersome and inappropriate- I have focused on a number of songs however; this album is best taken as a 'whole' or overall sound. thanks for reading and for comments in advance.)
Exodus- Tempo of the ****ed (Nucleur Blast, 2004)
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00014AQ3G.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
EXODUS IS:
Gary Holt- Guitars
Steve Souza- Vocals
Rick Hunolt- Guitars
Tom Hunting- Drums
Jack Gibson- Bass
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 admittedly impressive, “Another Lesson In Violence,� but Tempo of the ****ed 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.�
The third song, Blacklist 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’…� Steve Souza is definately one of the foremost metal vocalist at the minute. he manages to 'sing' with a menace and heaviness many other singers lack.
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-****ed,’ as well as boasting, the best solo on the entire CD, no mean feat for one of this stature. We're only four tracks in by the way; good eh?
Elsewhere, among a plethora of amazing riffs, Souza rages about population growth charmingly suggesting sterilising those who are, “To ignorant to ever succeed,� in Culling The Herd.
One (now red-faced) Classic rock reviewer wrote that the song immediately after, “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, 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.
Also worth noting is the fact that 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.
Minus points? Well, like a lot of albums from the genre, there isn't that much variety on show here.Exodus have their blueprint and they are determined to stick to it. There's no In My Darkest Hour or Cemetary Gates on the reord. But then again something like that wouldn't fit the overall tone of the album. Like certain other well-documented bands, Exodus as a band were nearly finished until certain members got their act together. This album is a triumphant celebration of Exodus- the band.
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.
IN A NUTSHELL: Verdict- 8/10- 4 STARS; borders on the formulaic at times but otherwise a welcome comeback from the band who delivered the original thrash attack.