EXODUS - BONDED BY BLOOD DEBUT Music For Nations 12" Vinyl LP Album

"Bonded By Blood," the explosive debut and first full-length album by American Thrash Metal juggernaut Exodus, unleashes its sonic fury on a 12" Vinyl LP Album. Released under Music For Nations, this 1985 album is a seminal work that solidifies Exodus as a powerhouse in the thrash metal genre. With relentless speed and aggressive riffing, "Bonded By Blood" stands as a timeless classic, marking the beginning of Exodus' influential journey in the realm of thrash metal.

 

High Resolution Photo

Collectors information / Album Description:

Exodus' debut album, "Bonded by Blood", released in 1985 on Music for Nations, is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. The album was recorded in just two weeks and features fast, aggressive riffs, powerful drumming, and harsh vocals.

Exodus was formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1980, and quickly became a key player in the emerging thrash metal scene. The band's early lineup included guitarist Kirk Hammett, who would later join Metallica. "Bonded by Blood" was the band's debut album, and was recorded in 1984 at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, California.

The album was originally intended to be released in 1984, but was delayed due to a dispute with their record label, Torrid Records. The band eventually signed with Music for Nations and the album was released in 1985. Although "Bonded by Blood" did not achieve commercial success at the time of its release, it has since become a classic of the thrash metal genre.

"Bonded by Blood" features nine tracks, with a total running time of just over 35 minutes. The album is characterized by fast, aggressive riffs, powerful drumming, and harsh, shouted vocals. The guitar work of Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt is particularly impressive, with their lightning-fast solos and intricate harmonies creating a wall of sound that is both powerful and complex. The rhythm section, featuring bassist Rob McKillop and drummer Tom Hunting, provides a solid foundation for the music, driving the songs forward with relentless intensity.

"Bonded by Blood" is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time, and has been hugely influential on the genre. The album's fast, aggressive style, combined with its dark and violent lyrics, helped to define the thrash metal sound and set the template for countless bands to follow. Exodus' influence can be heard in the music of many other thrash metal bands, including Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth.

 

This original album cover art was an illustration of good and evil co-joined twin infants.

This album "Bonded By Blood" is the debut/first full-length album by the American Thrash Metal band "Exodus"

Music Genre:

 American Crossover Thrash Metal 

Album Production information:

The album: "EXODUS Bonded By Blood" was produced by: Ken Adams and Todd Gordon

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 ) 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 Engineer(s): John Volaitin

This album was recorded July 1984 at: Prairie Sun Recording Studios

"Prairie Sun Recording Studios" In the world of music, recording studios play a vital role in capturing the essence and creativity of artists. Two prominent studios, Prairie Sun Recording Studios and Fantasy Studios, have made their mark in the industry by providing exceptional recording experiences and producing award-winning albums. Prairie Sun, located in California, and Fantasy Studios, situated in Berkeley, have both contributed significantly to the musical landscape, attracting renowned artists from various genres.

more...

Prairie Sun Recording Studios, nestled in the heart of California, has been a hub for heavy metal music during the 1980s. Its state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional engineering have drawn numerous bands seeking to capture their raw energy and power. Bands like Chastain, Exodus, Laaz Rockit, and Vicious Rumours have graced the studios with their presence, utilizing the studio's capabilities to create some of the genre's most iconic albums.

One of the defining features of Prairie Sun is its commitment to providing artists with a comfortable and conducive environment for the creative process. The studio's unique design, incorporating natural surroundings and ample natural light, allows artists to feel at ease while recording. This relaxed atmosphere often translates into the music, as artists are able to fully immerse themselves in their work, resulting in authentic and powerful performances.

Furthermore, Prairie Sun's dedication to delivering top-notch audio quality sets it apart from other recording studios. The studio houses cutting-edge equipment and employs experienced engineers who possess a deep understanding of the nuances of heavy metal music. These professionals work closely with the artists, ensuring that every element of the music is captured with precision and clarity. As a result, Prairie Sun has become renowned for its exceptional sound production and mixing capabilities.

Moving on to Fantasy Studios, situated in Berkeley's Zaentz Media Center, the studio has earned a reputation for its role in recording award-winning albums. Initially built as a private recording studio for artists on the Fantasy Records label in 1971, it opened its doors to the public in 1980. Since then, it has become a go-to destination for musicians across various genres, including rock, pop, and punk.

Fantasy Studios holds an illustrious history of producing chart-topping albums that have resonated with audiences worldwide. Notable among these are Journey's "Escape" and Green Day's "Dookie", both of which achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. The studio's commitment to excellence is reflected in its state-of-the-art facilities and talented team of engineers and producers, who work tirelessly to ensure the highest quality recordings.

Beyond its technical prowess, Fantasy Studios boasts a unique atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration. Its spacious recording rooms and comfortable lounges provide artists with a comfortable environment to explore their musical ideas. The studio's acoustics are meticulously designed to capture the nuances of different instruments and vocal performances, allowing artists to realize their artistic vision with precision and authenticity.

Moreover, Fantasy Studios' location in Berkeley adds to its allure. The vibrant and diverse music scene in the surrounding area serves as a constant source of inspiration for artists who choose to record at the studio. The city's rich cultural history and artistic community create a stimulating backdrop, enhancing the creative process and often influencing the music itself.

Sound engineers: Gordon "The Triple Threat" Lyons, John Volaitis, Robin Yeager, Mark Withaker

Mastered at Fantasy Studios by George Horn

George Horn is a highly acclaimed Chief Mastering Engineer known for his exceptional work at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, as well as his contributions as a mastering engineer at CBS Studios in San Francisco. Renowned for his expertise and meticulous attention to detail, Horn has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of numerous heavy metal albums, collaborating frequently with industry stalwarts such as Steve Fontano, Dino Alden, and Guy Aitchison.

  Read more...

Born with an innate passion for music, George Horn's journey in the world of audio engineering began early on. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to various genres and instruments, which fueled his curiosity and desire to understand the technical aspects of sound. His fascination with the process of capturing and enhancing audio quality led him to pursue a formal education in audio engineering and mastering.

After completing his studies, Horn embarked on his professional career at CBS Studios in San Francisco, where he honed his skills under the guidance of seasoned engineers. During his tenure there, he had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects, gaining invaluable experience and establishing a reputation for his exceptional ear for sound.

Horn's true breakthrough came when he joined the esteemed team at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. As the Chief Mastering Engineer at this iconic studio, he oversaw the final stage of the production process, meticulously fine-tuning the sound of countless albums. It was here that he forged significant partnerships with renowned heavy metal producers and engineers, including Steve Fontano, Dino Alden, and Guy Aitchison.

The collaboration between George Horn and these industry luminaries proved to be a winning formula, resulting in numerous highly acclaimed heavy metal albums that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Their combined expertise and creative synergy pushed the boundaries of the genre, delivering powerful and sonically rich recordings that defined the sound of many iconic bands.

With a keen understanding of the nuances of heavy metal music, George Horn's mastering work brought out the best in each album he touched. His acute attention to detail ensured that every element of the music, from the thunderous guitars to the pounding drums and soaring vocals, was presented with exceptional clarity, power, and balance. His precise and artistic approach to mastering contributed greatly to the overall impact and emotional resonance of the final product.

Throughout his career, George Horn has received widespread acclaim for his contributions to the music industry. His work has earned him multiple awards and nominations, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest mastering engineers in the business. Beyond heavy metal, he has also worked on a diverse range of genres, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability as an engineer.

George Horn's dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to excellence have made him a trusted figure in the world of audio engineering. His contributions to heavy metal music, in particular, have left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing the way it sounds and ensuring its enduring popularity.

Today, George Horn continues to push the boundaries of audio engineering, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the sonic experience. His passion for music and unwavering pursuit of sonic perfection have made him a revered figure among musicians, producers, and fellow engineers alike. Through his remarkable work, George Horn has undoubtedly shaped the landscape of heavy metal and left an enduring legacy in the realm of audio mastering.

Sound mixed at Tres Virgos Studios

Donald J. Munz - Album Artwork

Richard A. Ferraro - Album Artwork

Record Label & Catalognr:

 Music For Nations RR 9787

Media Format:

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

Year & Country:

 1985 Made in Holland  
Band Members and Musicians on: EXODUS Bonded By Blood
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Paul Baloff - vocals
  • Gary Holt - guitars
  • Rick Hunolt - guitars
  • Rob McKillop - bass
  • Tom Hunting - drums
  • Andy 'Airborne' Anderson, Lonnie Hunolt, T. Rage - Backing vocals
  • Kirk Hammett - Song-writing

    Kirk Hammett left Exodus (1979-1983) to join Metallica before the recording of "Bonded by Blood," and was replaced by Rick Hunolt, who played guitar on the album. While Hammett did contribute to the songwriting on some of the tracks on the album, he is not credited on the final release due to legal disputes with his new label, Metallica's Elektra Records, which prevented him from being named in the credits. Despite this, Hammett's contributions to the development of the band and the album are widely acknowledged and recognized by fans and music historians.  

Complete Track Listing of: "EXODUS Bonded By Blood"

The Songs/tracks on "EXODUS Bonded By Blood" are

  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
  6. Piranha - 3:50
  7. No Love - 5:11
  8. Deliver Us to Evil - 7:11
  9. Strike of the Beast - 3:56
Album Cover Photo Gallery of: EXODUS Bonded By Blood
Album cover of Exodus's 'Bonded by Blood' showing two conjoined infants, one with a demonic appearance featuring pointy ears, sharp teeth, and long nails, while the other appears innocent. The title is written in red Gothic font, with the band's name in jagged red and white letters at the top. The background is a soft blue, contrasting with the intense and unsettling imagery.

The image of the two babies on the Bonded by Blood album cover symbolises duality, a clash between innocence and darkness—an apt visual metaphor for the aggressive, rebellious nature of thrash metal. The child with pointed ears, sharp nails, and a ferocious expression embodies chaos, violence, and primal instincts. This representation aligns with the themes of thrash metal, which often explore darker elements of society and human nature, rejecting conventional norms and confronting uncomfortable truths.

The pointed ears and nails give this child a demonic or feral look, symbolising a departure from innocence and a descent into savagery. The album title, Bonded by Blood, further reinforces this concept, suggesting a strong, almost blood-bound connection between purity and corruption, or light and darkness. Thrash metal, especially in the 1980s, often drew upon themes of confrontation, rebellion, and raw emotion, all of which are encapsulated in this striking contrast between the two children. This imagery aligns Exodus with the unfiltered energy of thrash metal and conveys a raw intensity that mirrors their sound and lyrical themes.

Back Cover  Photo of "EXODUS Bonded By Blood" Album

High Resolution Photo  

High Resolution Photo  

 

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.

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