Bonded by Blood

Bonded by Blood is a vivid debut on which Exodus violently collides the explosive momentum derived from punk and heavy metal’s hard, sharp riffs. An extremely important record that built the unshakable foundation of the thrash-metal genre itself. Paul Baloff’s madness-laden, ferocious vocals, Gary Holt and the others’ slashing guitars and Tom Hunting’s busy drums powerfully drive the songs forward without letting them rest for even a moment. The all-too-famous opening title track “Bonded by Blood,” the anthem “A Lesson in Violence,” singing of violence, and the aggression of “Piranha” — the songs, while rough, hold an intense, sure drive, while cuts like “Metal Command” and “Strike of the Beast” convey their legendary content. It is known that Kirk Hammett (later of Metallica) belonged in this period. A record that became an extremely important starting point, capturing Bay Area thrash’s rough spirit rawly and perfectly. Though its release was delayed by production troubles and more, its underground influence was immeasurable. An enduring great masterpiece that changed the very history of thrash metal, and a legendary debut still undimmed — an essential record for all metal fans.