Bonded By Blood is the debut studio album from California thrash metal band Exodus. Considered one of the most influential thrash albums of all time, it was originally titled A Lesson In Violence, but it was changed to the current title after the band and the label were unable to come up with an idea for the artwork, leading to to be shelved for nearly a year. The artwork has been an issue for most of the record’s existence, with many variants over the years before returning to the original artwork with this reissue. Kirk Hammett (Metallica) claims that this record is as good as Kill ‘Em All, and honestly, we agree. Title track "Bonded By Blood" is a mind-blowing thrash workout, spoken vocals over chugging guitar and incredible drumrolls. “And Then There Were None” features clear guitar and bass along the lines of Megadeth, “A Lesson in Violence” is a definite highlight, jittery guitar washes and wall-of-sound riffage. This record is packaged in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180s opaque red vinyl.

• 180g red colored vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve and printed insert
• limited edition
  
• original release year: 1985
• music label: Combat 2019

reviewed by INCINEROAR 12/2019