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Class 6(66)
Exodus: Tempo of the damned
22/07/11 || InquisitorGeneralis
Introduction
Inquisitorgeneralis: There are many records that ignite dual-bromantic passion between Daemonomania and myself. “As” “you” “can” tell.” However, most of those records are solidly placed in the realm of death metal. “Tempo of the Damned” by legendary Bay Area thrash masters Exodus is one that breaks that mold. I am sure no one expected that much from the re-reunited Exodus that came together after the death of original front man Paul Baloff put the kibosh on Exodus’ successful late 90’s original line-up hoe-down. With Steve “Zetro” Sauza, back on the mic in 2004 (he would leave again after this album) Exodus would pump out a great sounding, well-written, straight-up awesome heavy thrash record. My dick filled with blood the first time I heard. I’m sure Daemo’s did too…
Daemonomania: It filled with blood for days, threatening to blow like a modern-day Vesuvius surrounded by fleeing pubic villagers. I believe I was in IG’s legendary black Trans-Am at the time and the roof was literally raised. Anyway, I’m not much of a thrash guy but this here album provides a nice addition to the old Metallica/Sabbat section of the collection. IGeezus hit up the history, so let us proceed to THROWING DOWN!
Songwriting
InSanFranciscoBay: Exodus really mix the songs up on “Tempo of the Donged”, and that is a huge factor in this record’s lasting power. You have classic thrashers like “War is my shepard”, “Tempo of the damned”, and “Sealed with a fist” alongside heavier, more crushing numbers like “Culling the herd” and the fantastic “Blacklist”. Riffs, grooves, puns…“Tempo…” has ‘em all.
D.C. Deez Nutz?: Though there is some changeups, I gotta say these dudes stick to mid-paced to slow grooving thrash for 90% of this record. For IG, whose idea of mixing it up is to have me shoot it between his manboobs as opposed to the usual in-the-mouth volley, sure, there might be some variation. Never ye mind that though. As a lover of “Back Into the Grave” and countless other similar DM albums that pick a speed and stick to it, ze “Tempo” is just fucken fine with me. Exodus do it perfectly. You WANT to get blacklisted over and over again.
Indeed?: Uhh, there is a serious difference in tempo (of the damned) between “Throwin’ down” and “War is my shephard”. Plus, when you shoot your ectoplasm on my manboobs, I can’t swap it back to you with a snowball kiss. Either way, there is no song on here that doesn’t kick ass, so I’m dropping a 9 and moving on. Production notes…go!
Production
Never Interrupt the D Cup: Production is aces. Modern without being too shiny. Thrashy without being trashy. Teh shit without being the shitty. From what IG’s played me of “Atrocity something something” they sound pretty good with a spiffed up production as well, but for songs about facepunching and blacklisting a little more raw is definitely better.
Interested: Oh yeah, “Temboner of the Donged” has a perfect production. the guitars are heavy and crunchy, just like forum troll Ryan Samuel’s anus, and the drum sound is krieg. The kicks especially shine. Zetro’s vocals can be a bit abrasive but never overpower the awesomeness of the band behind him. Seriously, I can’t say one single fucking thing bad about the projob on here, so I’m throwing down (sick of that yet?) a big 10.
Guitars
Daebhilitayted: Well, we’re already on the guitars? Seemed like IG was just initiating foreplay moments ago. Without the riffs no metal classic is classic, and given that we’re doing a classic review here…you fucken get it. Endlessly memorable shit from beginning til end, executed in a simple but effective fashion. With some great solos overtop the mid-song rock out sessions. Speaking of which, some of the songwriting fat could certainly be trimmed here and there and “Tempo” would be even better. I’m guessing that’s the guitarists’ fault.
Intoxicated: Just listen to the middle 3 minutes of “Forward march” and you will know that Gary Holt was on his A+, christ hating game when he went to work on “Tempo of the Damned”. Other superb moments include the main riff to “Shroud of urine”, the breakdown during “Culling the herd”, and bluesy-twang of “Throwin’ down”. Gary Holt maybe be a bit of a douchebag sometimes, at least to Jesus, but he knows how to make a solild, heavy thrash riff. A score?
D Train to Pain: Surely. I’ll give those fucken guitar fuckers an 9 for their fucken fuck riffs.
Vocals
I’m adding your name…: Zetro’s vocals on here are a bit harsher and more abrasive than his previous 80’s and 90’s work with the band. We all know Souza has a huge hard-on for deceased AC/DC frontman Bon Scott, but on this go ‘round he definitely goes for a style much heavier than that fallen Aussie hero. His snarling growl is near perfect when he belts out I’m adding your name…to my blacklist! I’ve added Zetro’s name to my bromance list, at least as far as “Tempo of the Damned is concerned”. Oh, and the bluesy crooning during the chorus of “Culling the herd” is fantastic.
To my dudelist: Hell yeah, the Zetman gives this album a ton of character. He delivers each line with just the right touch of acidity, coupled with perfect phrasing. The strained screeches in the chorus of “Shroud” are highlight reel material for me. I have no choice but to give this man a 9 for his efforts.
Bass
In yo face: Heaviness is what makes “Tempo of the Damned” such a massive success. You can credit some of that to Jack Gibson rumbling, thundering bass work. His intro to “Shroud of urine” stands out amidst and entire record of six-string goodness.
Let Dae Boyz Dae Boyz: Good solid bass tone, solid performance. I’d love to hear the bass kicked up a notch on here, like Digorgio style – that would really add power to the already mighty punch that is “Temp-Ho”. But hey, we can’t have everything in this life. If there are no further objections, Your Honor, I’m dropping a 6.5 here.
I object: I do object, I would give Jackie O at least a 7.5, but who really cares about the bass score besides Lord K and Pogg?
Drums
Insidejob: Tom Hunting doesn’t do any mind-fucking gravity blasts or 1/11116 note high-hat twinkles. However, he does lay down a heavy groove with noticable skill for most of “Tempo of the Damned” and his drumming (both style and sound) is one of the things that keeps me coming back to this record. “Shroud of Urine” is probebly the heaviest drum track on here with lots of double bass and mid-paced sweetness. Hunting does sound a bit strained when he ups teh speed, but he pulls of some cool tempo changes, like the middle of “Forward march”, to keep things interesting.
Dael or Ho Dael: I do miss a good high-hat twinkle. But solid a fukk behind the kit is the Cunt Hunter. Easily an 8, if not an 8.5.
Lyrics
It’s a pun, dammit: Das lyrics on “Tempo of the Damned” are completely awesome. I’m not a patriot…I’m a HATRIOT is just one of many awesome, goofy lines. The following verse about the wonderful institution of marriage, from “Sealed with fist” is amazing…
When she took your hand in marriage
It didn’t mean right across the face
Small woman, big man, it takes a lot of guts
You’re just a pussy in the first place
But now that your wedding chamber’s
The one the bullet’s in
Brave man, look at you, not so tough
When the hammer’s cockin
That’s how you do it! With “Shroud of urine” I think Gary Holt was trying to hard to hate on ole Jeebus, but there are certainly worse anti-christian lyrics out there. “Culling the herd” is a fantastic song about killing people…worthless people that is.
Double Barrel Divorce: Aside from the “I am so tough I can sing about
punching you and you will feel the thrashing power of my fist in your
MOTHERFUCKING FACE MOTHERFUCKER” stuff, there is a lot of humor value to
be found in “Tempo’s” lyrics. IG covered the two best moments, but how
could you forget:
You put your faith in Christianity
I put mine in artillery
BAM. The lyrics get a little odd around “Impaler” and the puns cease, but
other than that a solid 8.5 is in order.
Logo
Inquisitivegentlemaneralis: While much has changed in the Exodus camp of the years, the logo has stayed the same; big letters, red tint, 80’s thrash. It’s good, but not amazing. D, give us a score and get going in the cover department…
Daescreet Manwife: Yeah, the logo dates the band well. Serves a
purpose, is pretty well-recognized. Based on these factors I award it an
unconventional 7.
Cover
Vincent Daepriceiswright: Elderly devil-man gets dressed up to play his
huge pipe organ while the damned writhe in agony below. A six-year old
chips in some art with a skull and a bat music holder. Doesn’t really
give you a good feel for the album. In fact, this would have been a
better cover for Infernäl Mäjesty’s “None shall defy” than the shitty
lizard guy they came up with back in the day.
Illiberace: Yeah, the cover is a little silly. It always makes me think of the Monty Puthon sketch with the old naked guy playing the organ. This album completely rules, the cover does not. 4
Booklet
CDaeR: IG burned it for me, sad to say. I apologize O Thrash Gods.
Indaburna: My o’riginal copy is long, long gone. Sowwy. N/A
Rant
Baetdaeown: As IG noted earlier this is one we pretty much agree on
through and through. Considering we were seperated at birth and spirited
away to opposite ends of the Northern Territories, that never comes as a
shock. So Exodus, “Tempo of the Spammed”. Like the fabled marriage of
Pantera and AC/DC ‘tis, with all the jizz mustachery that implies. Good
times metal for men who scoff at shirts with sleeves and liquor that isn’t
hard.
Intimidation: I hate shirts, and I love bourbon. Hence, I love “Tempo of the Damned”. I also love thick, meaty riffs, mid-paced heavy thrash, and cheesy lyrics. All of those also make me love this album. It’s a beast; the best Exodus has ever done. Get it. It’s that simple.
- Information
- Released: 2004
- Label: Nuclear Blast
- Website: www.Exodusattack.com
- Band
- Steve “Zetro” Souza: vocals
- Gary Holt: guitars
- Rick Hunolt: guitars
- Jack Gibson: bass
- Tom Hunting: drums
- Tracklist
- 01. Scar Spangled Banner
- 02. War Is My Shepherd
- 03. Blacklist
- 04. Shroud of Urine
- 05. Forward March
- 06. Culling the Herd
- 07. Sealed with a Fist
- 08. Throwing Down
- 09. Impaler
- 10. Tempo of the Damned
