Pun aside, this record is Bay Area Thrash at its finest in many a moon. While the guitars shred like financial officers during the final days at Enron (that means furiously, junior), 'tis the maniacal drumming that really propels this album to new heights of sickness. Yes, I am an unabashed Paul Bostaph fan. In fact, he's better than Dave Lombardo, as evidenced by Paul nailing Dave's parts but the latter not being able to play that of the former. See Slayer live and you'll understand.

Anyhow, pummeling drums, shredding riffs, and blazing leads are the finest parts of this album, true, but Jack Gibson's bass is felt throughout with a sound akin to D.D. Verni on Overkill's mid-90s records. Newcomer Duke's vocals are true to the tradition of Exodus and though comparisons have been made to Phil Anselmo The Great, his style is more like the offspring of long time Exodus madman Steve "Zetro" Souza and Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth from Overkill, two very recognizable voices on their own. Duke is Thrash to the core with a little extra oomph in there a la Death Metal's higher pitched orators.

At times I found myself 'hearing' some of the songs/riffs from album predecessor and fine comeback offering "Tempo of the Damned." In fact, I could 'hear' Rob Dukes singing the previous record as his is the perfect voice for Exodus. Hopefully this lineup will allow Mr. Holt to enjoy some stability so that he can tear up the road from here to infinity. Familiar themes (death, anti-religion, insanity, etc.) with some clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrics -- typical of Exodus -- are still present so there are no shockers in this department.

Andy Sneap's production is classic, clear, and crushing. Additionally, an occasional "Demolition" (Judas Priest) vibe presents itself here and again. And I liked that record, by the way. A lot. It is worth mentioning that some quite lengthy songs are present here (Deathamphetamine runs 8:31, Altered Boy is 7:36, and 44 Magnum Opus is 6:56) just like last time around, though inspiration was on demand this time and the length is not excessive, instead being mostly welcomed.

In summary, Exodus has plenty to offer in 2005. More than they had to offer last year, which was a very fine year for Holt and crew, even if 60% of that crew has now been replaced. So what is it with Nuclear Blast this fall (2005)? First Hypocrisy (which also features Gary Holt on a guest lead) and now this. Whatever the case, buy it. NOW. Maybe it is a 10.... How about 9.75?

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 52.51