Pelata 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 is also 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.