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I'll be honest, I could just never get on board with former vocalist Rob Dukes. I don't know what it was about his vocal approach, but it never really worked for me, until early this week. I went back and listened to (2010's) Exhibit B: The Human Condition and I think I'm hearing something I liked that I didn't hear on (2005's) "Shovel Headed Kill Machine" and (2007's) "The Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit A". Anyway, that review is for another day. Like it was with many bands back in the 80's, I discovered Exodus with the release of their second record (1987's) "Pleasures of the Flesh". It also happened to be the introduction of Steve "Zetro" Souza (formerly of The Legacy) into the band, who replaced Paul Baloff. Some people give "Zetro" grief, because of the similar vocal style to that of Bon Scott. I didn't care who he sounded or sounds like, as I just want the vocal approach to work for my ears. I love "Zet" and I'm happy he's back! On to the album...After repeated listens, this record took a while to get going with me. I don't think it actually hits its stride until "Salt the Wound" (featuring Kirk Hammett) or "Body Harvest". It's not that I don't like the first half of this album, but the gems in my opinion are tracks 7-11. I think it gets off to a really weak start with something that starts out sounding like Nine Inch Nails. I hate that industrial sounding garbage. Maybe I just need to edit the beginning of "Black 13". I think one of the other complaints that I have regarding this album, was best stated by an individual on a metal site that I've visited for years. I think he summed it up perfectly: "The songs overstay their welcome as the riffs repeat too much without flourish, dismissing that chaotic glee that we're all familiar with." I certainly don't have an A.D.D. problem when it comes to my music, but I think some of the songs do overstay their welcome and could be shortened a tad. At times this record seems to be slightly laborious to get through. Having said that, I still really enjoy it and "Blood In, Blood Out" is a consistent grower with me. Part of my problem could be that I really haven't given Exodus the time of day since (2004's) "Tempo of the Damned", which is a top three favorite Exodus album of mine. One thing I have very little to complain about, is the production. Andy Sneap was unavailable for much of the engineering, so bass player Jack Gibson took over those duties. He was responsible for both the engineering of the guitars and vocals. This was shown on the DVD, which comes with the deluxe edition. I thought he did a great job, considering he's a novice in this area and was taking a Pro Tools class involving the software applications. Considering Gary was also away (touring with Slayer), this could have been unmitigated disaster. Way to go Jack! The only songs that I skip on occasion, is the opening track "Black 13" and "BTK". I was hoping to enjoy that tune more, since Chuck Billy from Testament guests on it. My favorite tunes are undoubtedly tracks 7-10 and in order: "My Last Nerve", "Wrapped In the Arms of Rage", "Numb" and "Honor Killings". The only thing that sort of irked me about this "Deluxe Edition", was the exclusion of the bonus track "Angel of Death", by one of my favorite NWOBHM bands Angel Witch. It should have been a part of this release. The bonus DVD will probably be something that I might never watch again, as it was a cut and paste job, involving both the production of the album and some stuff from the road. It was too under produced to hold my interest, though it had its moments. 4 1/2 stars out of 5
Posted by HeavyMetal1984
I never got into Exodus. Growing up I had Megadeth, Metallica and Anthrax and I thought I was all set when it came to thrash metal. More recently Ive been looking into some of the other lesser known, but equally as amazing, thrash bands from the 80s. Slayer was always too satanic for me, but Ive learned to appreciate them. Overkill is sick! Testament is heavy. But exodus...woa. This album has made me a fan. Its complex and heavy and super addicting to listen to!
Posted by chris5150
book of life was a better movie than I expected I knew nothing about the Day of the Dead celebration learned a lot the 3d was well executed and the Blu ray colors were deep and riveting there was a lot of laughs and good story to be had for the whole family
Posted by DjMDA
