Exodus – Bonded by blood (Bloodshot vinyl)

Exodus’s debut album, Bonded by Blood, released in April 1985, exploded onto the thrash metal scene with unrelenting force. From the opening title track, the album unleashes razor-sharp riffs, hyperactive drumming, and ferocious vocals from Paul Baloff, creating a visceral musical assault that defined the Bay Area thrash sound and set Exodus apart as pioneers in the genre. The album’s raw production only added to its ferocity, delivering a gritty, unfiltered aural experience that resonated deeply with fans and influenced countless bands to follow.

Though it was delayed in release, critics and fans alike now see Bonded by Blood as a foundational thrash metal classic. Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic asserted that, “Had it been released immediately after it was recorded in 1984, Exodus’ Bonded by Blood might be regarded today alongside Metallica’s Kill ’Em All as one of the landmark albums responsible for launching the thrash metal wave” and described it as “an album whose influence far exceeds its actual notoriety, and it remains a crucial piece of the thrash metal puzzle – essential”.

Its combination of memorable riffing, sheer intensity, and uncompromising vision continues to earn it legendary status among metal enthusiasts.

Reviews

"Had it been released immediately after it was recorded in 1984, Exodus’ Bonded by Blood might be regarded today alongside Metallica’s Kill ’Em All as one of the landmark albums responsible for launching the thrash metal wave – an album whose influence far exceeds its actual notoriety, and it remains a crucial piece of the thrash metal puzzle – essential." – AllMusic (via Eduardo Rivadavia)

"Bonded By Blood is an album with nothing to hide, it shows its full colors right from the first, crushing riff. The guitars are sharp and aggressive, the drums pounding, loud and hyperactive and, most importantly, the riffs are downright brilliant." – Sputnikmusic

"Every track is just what your hardcore maniac metal doctor ordered – total thrash. There’s no let up from the word go, as ‘Bonded By Blood’ comes crashing through the speakers. The energy that Exodus produce is so intense it must be frightening to your average heavy metal fan." – Metal Forces Magazine

"If the so‑called Big Four thrash bands – Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax – expanded to five, Exodus would complete the cadre, simply because of the way their debut, Bonded by Blood, explodes from the stereo." – Rolling Stone Australia