When I decided to review Exodus' new album "Blood In, Blood Out" I started having fond memories of Thrash metal classics such as "Bonded By Blood" and "Lessons In Violence" but what I got COULD have been just as good as that. However, what I got was a failed attempt to market Exodus to today's hot topic youth. There wasn't a problem with the fast paced, aggressive thrash riffs that do not cease to drive through your head throughout the album but the vocals are the true problem. When I think of thrash metal vocals, I think of deep throated anger and aggression escaping in the form of a battle cry, not a pre-pubescent cat choking. Seriously, this isn't me being an asshole that's what it sounds like. This is why I say that they are trying to market themselves to a more “Screamish” demographic.
However, In spite of this, the album does shine lyrically. With songs typical of thrash about moshing and killing your boss, it also has messages about sticking together because we all listen to this genre for similar reasons as seen in the title track "Blood In, Blood Out". All in all, this record isn't the worst thing I've ever heard but by no means is it Exodus at in its purest form. If you want a good Exodus album, go listen to "Bonded By Blood" and if you happen to catch the Slayer tour rolling through the US, If you don't plan to get in the pit (How dare you) I recommend taking a 45 minute piss during Exodus' set.