Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Exodus Exhibit B: The Human Condition Company: Nuclear Blast Release: 2010 Genre: Thrash Reviewer: Ben McCraw

Teeth gritting, foot stomping, ass kicking thrash

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, please turn your attention to the latest batch of evidence presented by Bay Area thrash metal legends Exodus.

Labeled "Exhibit B: The Human Condition", it is an exploration into horrid acts that have been committed by the human race; acts so vile and heinous that only a metal band of this caliber could describe them. After a brief and mellow intro with "The Ballad of Leonard and Charles", B comes crashing through your speakers with all the subtlety of a flying kick to the ribcage, preparing you for the rest of the album's ferocity. Gary Holt and Lee Altus's skillful and intense solos are masterfully displayed throughout, particularly on the first three tracks; picking up wherever Rob Dukes enraged shrieks have left off. But B isn't guitar-driven as much as it is song-driven, there honestly are no bad eggs in Exodus' basket this time around as was the case with their last album. Even "The Sun is My Destroyer" clocking in at over nine minutes long, never becomes boring--even after repeated listens. Doubters should beware of any mosh-pit that arises from "Downfall" or "March of the Psychophants", both are great anthems that combine catchy hooks and heavy riffs, the very thing that Exodus excelled at on their first record.

So, without further review let me just say to the jury that if "Exhibit B: The Human Condition" is not indeed the thrash metal album of 2010, it is certainly in the running. This is a fine example of teeth gritting, foot stomping, ass kicking thrash in its purest form...case dismissed.