Tempo of the Damned

Back in October, I did a teaser review of the four song CD maxi EP for "War Is My Sheppard". Now that Metal Reviews has received the full length release, it's time for the main course! Based on my initial instincts, the CD maxi EP was a great indicator for what could be expected on the full length release of "War Is My Sheppard". After listening to the rest of the album, I can conclude that this release by Exodus is their best one to date! First of all, the production is amazing! Alot of that has to do with producer Andy Sneap. He has really achieved a perfect mix and balance between, drums, bass, guitars and vocals. The twin guitar attack still has that punchy and compressed sound. There are some killer guitar solo performances as well. The drumming still plays a major part in the intensity of the music. Overall, the riffs and arrangement of the music to the lyrics is an ace that has been up the sleeve of Exodus for sometime now and they took it out when they needed it the most! It's angry, pissed off, in your face speed/thrash metal! It's the climax to an orgasm that was waiting to happen! If there is one drawback to the album, it's the inclusion of the AC/DC cover "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap". Don't get me wrong here. I love AC/DC and like some cover songs that are done by bands. Exodus does this version to a tee! It's the last track on the CD, so one can easily turn off the player at track 10. But after listening to the rest of the album, I would have preferred another original song in its place. Take a look back at all of those bands from the early 80's speed/thrash metal movement that are still around today. Compare what these bands did then as opposed to what they are doing now and how they are doing it. I strongly feel that Exodus is one of those bands that has taken what is started over 20 something years ago and improved upon it, taking it to the next level. Over the passage of time they have stayed true to their roots. Exodus was over due for an album of this magnitude and it will surely help them show all of those that they have influenced how to do it the right way and that they are here to stay!