Exodus - Shovel Headed Kill Machine review
Band: | Exodus |
Album: | Shovel Headed Kill Machine |
Style: | Bay Area thrash metal |
Release date: | October 2005 |
01. Raze
02. Deathamphetamine
03. Karma's Messenger
04. Shudder To Think
05. I Am Abomination
06. Altered Boy
07. Going Going Gone
08. Now Thy Death Day Come
09. 44 Magnum Opus
10. Shovel Headed Kill Machine
11. Problems [Sex Pistols cover] [Japanese / 2-LP bonus]
12. Purge The World [limited digipack / 2-LP bonus]
Let me just start off by saying that I'm reviewing the U.S. version of this album, the one that DOES NOT have the added hidden bonus track. Now, having said that, Exodus welcomes some new members into the band on this effort. Paul Bostaph on drums formerly of Slayer, Testament, and Forbidden is replacing long time drummer Tom Hunting. Lee Atlus is now the other guitar player (formerly of Heathen and Angel Witch) replacing Gary Holt's longtime axe partner Rick Hunolt. And Rob Dukes is now the new permanent vocalist taking over for the departed Steve "Zetro" Souza. This is a very solid album, and one that will hopefully go a long way towards putting thrash metal back on top of the mountain. The sound was really clear and clean, especially the backline bass that shone through.
The first couple of songs do a pretty good job of introducing the listener to the new members of the band. Rob Dukes is a very competent vocalist with small echoes of the styling of Steve Souza.
The third song, Karma's Messenger, is a straight ahead thrash attack. It has a very old school 80's feel to it. I really liked the vibe that this song gave me. It took me back to a time where the thrash bands were the kings of the land.
The three songs in the middle lag a little bit compared to the rest of the album. They aren't bad songs at all, but I just don't think that they are as good as the rest of the album is.
Now we move on to the best part of the album. These last 4 songs provide that unrelenting neckbreaking thrash til death attack. Going Going Gone, Now Thy Death Day Come, 44 Magnum Opus, and the title track, Shovel Headed Kill Machine provide an incredibly potent assault. Listening to this string of songs, one can't but help be reminded of the 80's glory days of thrash. It's songs like these that really make a person be proud of being a thrash metal fan.
Overall, the album made a really good impression on me. Exodus has really proven to be comitted to making quality albums after their lengthy absence, and I for one am very excited about the future of this band.
Rating breakdown
Performance: | 8 |
Songwriting: | 7 |
Originality: | 8 |
Production: | 9 |
Written by Account deleted | 12.07.2006
Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
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