Let There Be Blood

Legendary Thrash Metal band re-doing their 1st album, Bonded By Blood (from 1985). In a way this is sacrilege but they know they can’t improve on what Paul Baloff did on “BBB”. Since they no longer own the rights the the first album (thanks a lot Combat Records & Sony!) & wanted to see what they could do with modern equipment.

Consider this a “novelty” album – with just two original members left it sounds like an Exodus cover band. It’s like Black Flag with Brandon Cruz re-doing “The First Four Years”. Still, the riffs & solos are down pat so it’s not exactly awful, either. Current vocalist, Rob Dukes is passable so, just think of this as a ‘covers’ album and a fun, decent listen.

((((1)))) One of the best metal riffs ever and one of the best metal songs ever. The vocals are just ok, though.
((((2)))) Spastic vocals, hammering riffs and good drumming.
((3)) Slow-ish tune that falls flat instantly. ONLY Baloff could pull this one off.
(((4))) For ’84-‘85 this was absurdly fast and yes, violent. Now it’s still fairly raging but the drumming’s too mechanical & the vocals sound stiff.
(((5))) Tight riffing but this is again, a little “soft” sounding even with the modern production.
(((((6))))) Kick ass. even with the newer elements. They slayed when they played with at Tidal Wave Fest. (Yeah, it’s a slower than before but still works). Sounds like Overkill covering Exodus.
(((7))) Acoustic intro (nice tho’), big riffs but so-so vocals.
((((8)))) Great guitar tone, mid-paced ‘banger, granted Dukes sounds like Bobby Blitz crossed with Sam Kinnison but whatevah.
(((9))) Another killer riff but kinda stiff overall. Holt + Altus’ guitar solos are ace, though.
(((((10))))) An old (as in Kirk Hammett/demo days) number, galloping, Bay Area Thrash mixed with NWOBHM vibe.