Bonded By Blood – Exiled to Earth
Release Date: 2010Aug10 (US)
Label: Earache
Rating: 4.5/5
Bonded By Blood is one of those bands that floated on my periphery for a while. Longtime listeners to the ‘Mind Over Metal’ radio show called in with requests, personal recommendations occasionally surfaced, and all accounts were positive. Perhaps it was due to their obvious Exodus worship, to whom they are inextricably linked by name. However intentional their choices may be, the quality of their second album must be at least partially directed at the naysayers, because ability like this is undeniable. Resources were focused as Earache went on a media blitz, and Ralph Patlan was recruited for production (who recently brought his skillful, retro-modern touch to White Wizzard’s Over the Top earlier this year).
Exiled to Earth is a concept album that begins in medias res with the excellent backstory, “600 A.B. (After the Bomb)”. Not only does it tell how the Crong came to Earth to destroy humanity, it also speaks of mankind’s devolution into savagery, and displays BBB’s attention to delicacy. Vocalist Jose “Aladdin” Barrales is honing his throat well, displaying dynamic variation throughout the album that is maniacally riveting—somewhere between Schmier (Destruction) and Blitz (Overkill). The tales continue through “Episodes of Aggression”, revealing a twist with the undead (and a twist on that main riff!), which later unfolds into another plot in “Prototype: Death Machine” involving a zombie-alien-Frankenstein-monster weapon. Are we keeping up?
The thing is, I did not have the lyrics in front of me for the first few spins, and I still know this is a great record. Bonded by Blood are incredibly efficient songwriters. The riffs are tight, the solos are just flashy and inventive enough, the gang shouts are well-placed and memorable, the hooks stay with you; there is little to criticize. It’s truly difficult to highlight some tracks over others, as all have their merits on some level. The tireless Carlos Regalado interlocks well with new bassist Jerry Garcia, creating a powerful rhythm section. Garcia is given time to shine on the title track, but the twin axe assault of Alex Lee & Juan Juarez is what really demands repeat visits.
The evolving story is good, but you start to want a clear path somewhere around “Genetic Encryption”. I suppose this is not so much the fault of the album, though, but rather due to the lack of accompanying visuals-—which do come with purchase (I received a digital promotional copy). Again, if following the story is priority one, then seek the physical. Musically, there is more than enough meticulous madness to satisfy the most jaded on the thrash revival. Bonded by Blood have taken a giant step forward with Exiled to Earth—an absolutely necessary move—and one I would not have predicted by their promo photos, depicting them pounding pizza in someone’s bedroom. Those goofy shots may have been a red herring to make the Metalverse let down their guard, before unleashing a devastating attack. Hmm, that kind of sounds like the designs of a certain alien race….
FCC OK
Try: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10
01. 600 A.B. (After The Bomb)
02. Episodes Of Aggression
03. Prototype: Death Machine
04. Prison Planet
05. Genetic Encryption
06. Blood Spilled Offerings
07. Exiled To Earth
08. Parasitic Infection
09. Desolate Future
10. Sector 87
11. Cross-Insemination
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