Other than some subtle improvements in production, it's hard to discern the new Exodus track from their classic material, which normally might lead to criticism, but when it comes to thrash, that's exactly what fans want. They want comfortable, reliable thrash and Exodus is here to deliver.
The Bay Area thrashers premiered the title track from Blood In, Blood Out on Billboard today and it's certainly a thrasher:
I can see some serious circle-pittage to this track. As for the track's meaning, guitarist Gary Holt is quick to tell Billboard that the song is NOT about former frontman Rob Dukes:
"A lot of people asked if [the song] had anything to do with Rob being replaced in the band, but as convenient as that sounds, the title, the lyrics, they were all there when Rob was recording it," says Holt with a laugh. "I hate to disappoint them on that one. It wasn't autobiographical."
Holt also elaborated on why Dukes was unceremoniously shown the door:
"It was the most out-of-left-field thing in the world," says Holt of bringing Souza back in. "We never saw it coming. It was just one of those things of during the process of making the album whereas four guys are really enjoying the process, but it just seemed like [Dukes] was not on the same page and was not that happy, and it started souring the mood. It got to the point after some back-and forth-discussions that the relationship seemed to sour. So we decided the four of us had to make a change."
Blood In, Blood Out comes out October 14th on Nuclear Blast. Pre-order on Amazon for $8.99.
