Well established bands re-recording their past work has never really gone over well with fans. Most fans hold to the notion that not even the band itself can do anything that will even come close to capturing the magic of the original versions. To some fans, it’s outright blasphemy. Now, whether that’s a case of the band having lost its spark or the fans “nostalgia mode” kicking in is a matter of debate. But, there are many reasons bands would do it. One of which would be due to the excitement within the band about its current, non-original, line up. This is the case, supposedly, with Exodus.
Led by founder Gary Holt, the current incarnation of Exodus (responsible for Shovel Headed Kill Machine and The Atrocity Exhibition) has re-recorded its 1985 classic Thrash Metal debut Bonded By Blood and re-christened it Let There Be Blood. Now, first off, despite what anyone may tell you, this is actually not bad. It’s what it would sound like if the band recorded a live album, only there’s no crowd noise. A lot of fans wouldn’t mind a live record. Anyway, it’s the same songs in the same running order as the original. The mix is definitely more modern & full sounding (thank you Andy Sneap), and there is obviously a new vocalist at the helm (Rob Dukes, who does a stellar job). But none of these things should deter the listener from what are still great Metal songs. “Exodus”, “A Lesson In Violence”, “Bonded By Blood”…all here in their aggressive glory. There will also be a bonus track…a never recorded, “from the vaults” song called “Hell’s Breath”.
So, the only thing remains is what camp you’re in. Is it refreshing or is it repulsive? Exciting or excrement? You decide for yourself. But, as for me, I like it. It’s heavy, intense, and very, very Metal.
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Sounds interesting. I will most probably be buying it as I have never owned a Bonded By Blood cd.
on Oct 21st, 2008 at 10:59I need to hear this. Bonded by Blood is a great, classic thrash album no doubt, but I’m not one of those fans who thinks this is a bad idea or a quick money grab. I think it will be cool to hear those songs recorded with modern production and of course Dukes much deeper and more aggressive roar.
on Oct 21st, 2008 at 16:23I most definitely want to check this out, and see what it sounds like…You can never really go wrong with Exodus.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 06:23I heard a track off this album last night and it slayed. I personally think that most bands should rerecord their stuff especially if it had bad production.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 10:50