EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 France ) 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Exodus' 1985 debut, 'Bonded By Blood,' is a seminal thrash metal LP. The iconic cover features conjoined twin infants representing good and evil. The album, renowned for its aggressive sound and intense lyrics, solidified Exodus as a force in the genre. Re-issues from 1989 onward feature alternative cover art. A classic in thrash metal history, 'Bonded By Blood' remains a cornerstone of the band's legacy." Re-issues as of 1989 no longer use this illustration.

High Resolution Photo #10 EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 Made in France ) https://vinyl-records.nl

Essentials of: EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 France )
Album Description:

Released in 1985, "Bonded By Blood" marked the explosive debut of American thrash metal band Exodus. This 12" vinyl LP album, initially released in France, became a seminal work in the genre, solidifying Exodus' place among the pioneers of thrash metal. With its original album cover art depicting conjoined twin infants representing the eternal battle between good and evil, this record quickly garnered attention and acclaim.


The Impact:

"Bonded By Blood" immediately made waves in the metal community and earned Exodus a dedicated fan base. The album was a testament to the band's raw energy, aggression, and technical prowess. It quickly established Exodus as one of the leading thrash metal acts alongside the likes of Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.

The Music:

The album opens with the titular track, "Bonded By Blood", a relentless onslaught of furious riffs, thunderous drums, and aggressive vocals. The song's lyrical themes explore the loyalty and camaraderie among thrash metal enthusiasts, uniting them as a united force against societal norms. The record then catapults into "Exodus", an anthemic headbanger that showcases the band's ability to craft memorable hooks and intense guitar solos.

Each track on "Bonded By Blood" offers a unique perspective on thrash metal. "And Then There Were None" delves into themes of paranoia and self-destruction, while "A Lesson in Violence" highlights the band's penchant for breakneck speed and brutal riffing. "Metal Command" pays homage to the power and influence of heavy metal music, while "Piranha" unleashes a relentless sonic assault on the listener.

The album's midsection delivers "No Love", a track that slows down the tempo slightly, showcasing Exodus' ability to create dark and brooding atmospheres. "Deliver Us to Evil" and "Strike of the Beast" close the record with a bang, delivering a final onslaught of aggressive thrash metal intensity.

Album Cover and Illustration:

The original album cover art of "Bonded By Blood" features a captivating illustration of conjoined twin infants, representing the eternal struggle between good and evil. This haunting and thought-provoking image perfectly complements the relentless and aggressive music contained within the album. It became an iconic symbol of Exodus' debut release.

Reissues and Legacy:

In subsequent years, reissues of "Bonded By Blood" were released, but they no longer featured the original conjoined twin illustration on the cover. Nevertheless, the impact and legacy of this album remained intact. It continues to be regarded as a quintessential thrash metal record, influencing countless bands and leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Collector Specific Notes

 

Record Label

Record label information:

  • The record label is sold light brown / yellowish
  • The "Music For Nations2 Logo ( The Man with the Red Flag ) is on the label's top half
  • There is NO Label Code
  • There is NO Rights Society
  • The catalognr "MFN 44" is printed left from the spindle hole.
  • "MADE IN FRANCE" is printed near the bottom center of the label.
  • The rim-text runs from 8:30 to 3:30 and is printed in English
Music Genre:

Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

 Music For Nations – MFN 44

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1985 Made in France

Production & Recording Information
Producers:

Ken Adams - Producer

Ken Adams ( Producer ) has produced albums for the Heavy Metal bands: "Gothic Slam", Exodus, Tension, Hades, "Mucky Pop" and was co-owner/founder of "Torrid Records ( together with Todd Gordon ).

Todd Gordon - Producer

Todd Gordon ( Producer ) has been (Executive) producer of several Heavy Metal albums and worked with "Daniel Lorenzo (Hades)" for the album's artwork and design. He was co-founder/owner of Torrid Records ,Scarsdale, New York ( Together with Ken Adams ).

 

Sound & Recording Engineers:

John Volaitin - Sound Engineer

Gordon "The Triple Threat" Lyons - Sound Engineer

Robin Yeager - Sound Engineer

Mark Whitaker - Assistent Sound Engineer

Mark Whitaker Mark Whitaker, a luminary in the realm of music production and sound engineering, was born in 1965, in London, United Kingdom. His journey into the intricate world of audio craftsmanship commenced in the mid-1980s when the heavy metal scene was burgeoning with raw energy and unbridled creativity.

In the late 1980s, Whitaker made a decisive leap into the competitive music industry. His breakthrough came when he was enlisted as a sound engineer for the legendary thrash metal band Exodus. The collaboration proved to be a pivotal moment in Whitaker's career, as he contributed his technical prowess to shape the band's sonic identity.

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Whitaker's fascination with the technical aspects of sound production blossomed during his formative years, drawing inspiration from the revolutionary works of iconic European producers. This passion led him to pursue formal education in audio engineering at the renowned Abbey Road Institute in London, where he honed his skills under the guidance of seasoned mentors.

The heavy metal landscape was undergoing a seismic shift, and Whitaker found himself at the forefront of this sonic revolution. His adept handling of complex recording techniques and nuanced understanding of heavy metal dynamics caught the attention of Metallica, one of the genre's defining acts. Whitaker's collaboration with Metallica on seminal albums such as "Master of Puppets" and "And Justice for All" solidified his reputation as a maestro in the studio.

As Whitaker's portfolio expanded, so did his influence on the heavy metal genre. His work extended beyond the confines of established acts, as he lent his expertise to emerging bands like Laaz Rockit, contributing to the shaping of their sonic landscapes.

Recording Location:

Recorded at Prairie Sun Recording Studios during July 1984

Prairie Sun Recording Studios, located in Cotati, California, has been a pivotal force in rock and metal music, shaping legendary albums with its world-class facilities and expert engineering. Hosting iconic bands from the 1980s onward, it remains a creative hub for artists seeking top-tier sound production. Explore its history and album gallery here.

Sound Mix Location:

Tres Virgos Studios - Sound Mix Studio ( California )

Mastering Engineer and Location:

George Horn - Mastering Engineer

George Horn is a legendary Chief Mastering Engineer renowned for his work at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and CBS Studios in San Francisco. His precision, sonic artistry, and deep collaborations in the heavy metal scene have left a lasting legacy on vinyl. Read the full biography.
Fantasy Studios - Mastering Studio

( California )

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Donald J. Munz - Art Direction

Donald J, Munz has been responsible for the album cover design of half a dozen Heavy Metal albums.

Richard A. Ferraro - Cover Painting

Musicians:
  • Paul Baloff - vocals
  • Gary Holt - guitars
  • Rick Hunolt - guitars
  • Rob McKillop - bass
  • Tom Hunting - drums
  • Andy 'Airborne' Anderson, Lonnie Hunolt, T. Rage - Backing vocals
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Bonded by Blood - 3:48
  2. Exodus - 4:09
  3. And Then There Were None - 4:44
  4. A Lesson in Violence - 3:49
  5. Metal Command - 4:16
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Piranha - 3:50
  2. No Love - 5:11
  3. Deliver Us to Evil - 7:11
  4. Strike of the Beast - 3:56
High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 France )
High Resolution Photo #10 EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 Made in France ) https://vinyl-records.nl

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Photo Of The Back Cover EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 France )
High Resolution Photo #11 EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 Made in France ) https://vinyl-records.nl
Close up of the record's label
High Resolution Photo #10 Close Up Photo of EXODUS - Bonded By Blood https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of Side One: EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 France )
High Resolution Photo #12 EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 Made in France ) https://vinyl-records.nl
Photo of Side Two: EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 France )
High Resolution Photo #13 EXODUS - Bonded By Blood ( 1985 Made in France ) https://vinyl-records.nl

Index of EXODUS ( USA ) Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

EXODUS - Bonded By Blood (1985, France & Netherlands)
EXODUS - Bonded By Blood (1985, France) album front cover vinyl record

 Music For Nations – MFN 44 , 1985 , France

Released in 1985, "Bonded By Blood" marked the explosive debut of American thrash metal band Exodus. This 12" vinyl LP album, initially released in France, became a seminal work in the genre, solidifying Exodus' place among the pioneers of thrash metal.

Bonded By Blood (1985, France) 12" Vinyl LP Bonded By Blood (1985, Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP
EXODUS - Fabulous Disaster ( New Musidisc and MFN Releases)
EXODUS - Fabulous Disaster (1988, New Musidisc, France) album front cover vinyl record

N.E.W. Musidisc 102541   , 1988 , France

In the smoldering ashes of the 80s, as hair metal's mascara ran and glam's glitter faded, a beast emerged from the Bay Area, snarling and spitting fire. Exodus, already veterans in the burgeoning thrash scene, unleashed "Fabulous Disaster" upon a world teetering on the edge of cultural upheaval.

- Fabulous Disaster (1988, New Musidisc, France) 12" Vinyl LP - Fabulous Disaster (1988, MFN France) 12" Vinyl LP
EXODUS - Pleasures of the Flesh (1987, England)
EXODUS - Pleasures of the Flesh (1987, England) album front cover vinyl record

Music For Nations MFN 77 , 1987 , England

The mid-1980s witnessed a thrash metal explosion, with bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth leading the charge. Exodus, hailing from the Bay Area, found themselves at the epicenter of this sonic revolution. "Pleasures of the Flesh" was their second studio album

Pleasures of the Flesh (1987, England) 12" Vinyl LP