Review Summary: This is what they should’ve sounded like all along.
After Force of Habit, Exodus simply… stopped. The band went on hiatus in the 1990s, at a time when thrash had lost ground to grunge and other metal subgenres. But it wasn’t just the state of the industry. There were lineup changes, internal friction, and side projects — with Gary Holt notably keeping the band’s name alive in an intermittent way over the years. Exodus briefly returned in the late ’90s with the live album Another Lesson in Violence, but a new studio record would only arrive 12 years later.
And when it did, it wasn’t exactly a cautious comeback.
Up to this point, Exodus’ career could be described as a roller coaster of sharp rises and sudden drops. But Tempo of the Damned isn’t just another climb. It’s as if, after years stalled on the track, the cart was suddenly strapped to a rocket. No warning, no transition — just ignition.
Released in 2004, the album marks not only the band’s return, but a sonic reinvention built on everything that had been lost in the ’90s: speed, aggression, and a sense of urgency. Instead of continuing down the mid tempo path of Force of Habit, Exodus makes the opposite move — accelerating brutally and delivering one of the heaviest and most consistent records of their entire career.
And it was about time!!! Finally everything clicks into place and the band reach its full potential! On Tempo of the Damned, Exodus delivers the combination that always felt just out of reach: razor-sharp songwriting (Bonded by Blood level!), a powerful, modern production (thank you very much, Mr. Andy Sneap!!!), and a band playing like it has something to prove. The riffs are vicious, memorable, and relentless; the sound is tight, heavy, and crystal clear; and Steve Souza sounds absolutely ferocious, spitting every line with real anger and urgency. It’s the sound of a band that spent years off the radar and came back not just to return, but to dominate, to destroy and kill you.
If the Big Four ever became a Big Five, Bonded by Blood (because of the songwriting) and Tempo of the Damned would be Exodus’ ticket into thrash metal’s elite club. It’s that damn good.
Scar Spangled Banner is born a modern classic. A nearly seven-minute thrash assault that destroys everything in its path. With aggressive riffs from the duo Holt/Hunolt and venomous vocals from Steve “Zetro” Souza, the track blends lyrical indignation with speed and sheer weight. And that distorted chugging section around 3:20? Perfect.
War Is My Shepherd keeps the momentum going, with Souza delivering a more versatile performance (almost a furious growl in the chorus and parts of the verses). Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt go all-in on tremolo picking mode in a track that’s fast, heavy, and relentless. Thank you, gentlemen.
Blacklist is Exodus’ Enter Sandman. Both songs follow a similar logic: built around a simple, repetitive main riff, focused on groove and weight rather than speed more linear and accessible in structure. But there’s a key difference: While Enter Sandman is accessible, Blacklist is hostile. It’s Exodus applying the same formula — less speed, more groove — but with far more aggression and zero interest in sounding friendly.
Shroud of Urine revolves around a slower, heavier main riff, with a strong emphasis on groove (reminiscent of Iron Maiden’s galloping feel). It’s not built on extreme speed; instead, it leans into weight and repetition. Not the most explosive track on the album, but still powerful.
Forward March stands out as the most expansive (prog thrash?) track here. Clocking in at over seven minutes, it features a great central riff and a breathtaking solo duel between Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt. The solos aren’t about speed; they’re about weight and melody — and they absolutely deliver.
Culling the Herd brings back a more mid-tempo groove with a strong, catchy chorus. Souza continues to spit venom, carrying the track with raw intensity. Throwing Down follows a similar approach, giving the listener a bit of breathing room while still maintaining weight. Souza varies his delivery again, and the drumming even takes on a tribal feel in certain sections.
So, for me dear reader, Tempo of the Damned is Exodus finally reaching its full potential and worth the songwriting the band displayed on Bonded by Blood. Now, the roller coaster doesn’t just climb again, it launches like a rocket.
It’s easily a Top 10 thrash metal album of all time.
