Exodus are probably my favourite Bay Area Thrash band. Bonded By Blood and Fabulous Disaster are two of my favorite albums from that period. When Exodus reformed with the original line up in 1997 and put out the crushing Another Lesson In Violence live album, I was one happy camper. Then tragedy struck. Original vocalist Paul Balloff passed away and I figured this was the end for Exodus. Mainman and guitarist Gary Holt though had other ideas.

Former vocalist Steve Souza came back into the band and the classic line up was back save for bass player Rob McKillop who was replaced by Jack Gibson. 2004 saw the release of a new Exodus album after a gap of almost 12 years.

Tempo Of The Damned starts with the right left combination jabs of Scar Spangled Banner and War Is My Shepherd. These two songs start proceedings in furious fashion invoking the spirit of Pleasures Of The Flesh with Souza sounding more rabid than he ever has. The trademark Exodus lead playing is present as is a vintage performance from Tom Hunting behind the drumkit. These two songs are modern thrashterpieces. Raging, full speed thrash metal and you can't help but bang your head. Blacklist is a mid-paced groovy thrash song with a catchy chorus and a killer riff. A little bit like Thorn In My Side from 1992s Force Of Habit but updated to make it sound relevant in 2004. The lead guitar section during the middle of Forward March is pure thrash goodness but again thanks to Andy Sneap sounds quite modern. Souza sounds mad in the mid tempo groove laden Culling The Herd and Hunting turns in a terrific performance on this song.

The album also includes the song Impaler which was originally written way back when Kirk Hammet was in the band and previously only featured in 1997's Another Lesson In Violence release. The song has another kickass lead guitar part and some truly manic riffing. The album closes with title song Tempo Of The Damned which goes back to the full on thrash assault of the first three songs and closes the album on a high.

The band entered the studio after over a decade in the thrash wilderness and it's quite amazing that they came up with a record this good. The feeling of anger and violence bubbling under the surface of their classic albums is back and the band has not sounded this good since Fabulous Disaster. Holt and Hunolt prove yet again that they are the premier guitar twins of thrash metal whether it's laying down unadulterated groovy riffs or playing some kickass lead guitar. Tom Hunting turns in a stellar performance behind the drumkit and is rock solid right through this album. The star of the show though is Steve Souza. It's his rabid mad dog vocals that push these songs into vintage Exodus territory.

The production, courtesy Andy Sneap is perfect for Exodus. The music sounds heavy and polished, yet just a little dirty around the edges.

Exodus, with Tempo Of The Damned released a terrific album. You knew it was Exodus the minute you heard the opening riff on Scar Spangled Banner and yet the band was not content in re-hashing past glories. This is a modern metal release that derives its sounds from the classic mid 80s period but its all updated to sound relevant and uncompromisingly heavy. Exodus was not content to just be a retro act and kicked immense booty with Tempo Of The Damned.

Label - Nuclear Blast

Year Of Release - 2004