The Bay Area Thrash Metal scene has arguably been one of the largest movements in the history of music, starting at an underground level and later evolving into a loyal and enduring movement that remains relevant. It has propelled some of these bands to become the most popular in the genre, filling stadiums, as seen with bands like Slayer, Megadeth, and Metallica.
In 1985, the faster, more aggressive, and powerful the compositions, the better, and Exodus, understanding this, gave life to “Bonded By Blood,” a classic of the genre that, no matter how many years pass, will continue to be respected generation after generation. An album that perfectly represents what the fanatics of that time needed, those who enjoyed speed, mosh pits, and had a disdain for the glam movement that was prevalent.
What can we hear?
We hear the textbook definition of old-school Thrash Metal: Speed. Guitars with power chords and strumming that wear out the wrist, solos that climax the song and incite the slam, and drums fit for burning calories show after show, maintaining their base on eighth notes.
“Bonded By Blood” was the band’s only album with the late Paul Baloff as the vocalist, who, while not possessing a studied vocal technique, completely radiated his rebellious attitude through his powerful vocals, which undoubtedly took a toll on his vocal cords over the years, as his voice tears through the album.
Gary Holt debuted as one of the most influential guitarists in Thrash Metal, bringing identity to the style. We can even appreciate his musical education in “No Love,” where the intro is clearly a classical guitar piece composed by himself.
Raw and heavy
The Bay Area bands were truly a mess, known for destroying their hotel rooms during tours, among other youthful rebellious antics. This is precisely what “Bonded By Blood” represents, a movement of rebellion that was authentic.
Compared to their main counterparts like Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth (who released their debut albums in the same year), Exodus proposed a rawer and heavier sound, mostly due to the vocals. This is why Paul Baloff, despite recording only one studio album in his life, will go down in history as a “true thrasher” who managed to represent an entire movement with his voice.
Their style resembles punk on steroids, especially with the guitar work, and entirely due to the attitude of both the musicians and the fans.
An influential album
“Bonded by Blood” is a classic appreciated by the entire metal community, representing an attitude, a style, and even a culture. This album marked the beginning of Exodus, a band that has remained active for over 40 years, delivering great albums in each of their eras.
Its speed, vocals, and essence make it one of the best debuts in metal.
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