Forging against all odds here we have the new installment of one of the pioneers of the 80's thrash metal scene. Although the band have experienced a smooth and successful rebirth including Paul Baloff (RIP) on vocals circa 96-97, we have seen Exodus unexpectedly suffering from the worst things that can happen to a band, from members death or just having the desire to abandon the ship due to fucked up tours with stand-in vocalists.

So what do they offer after this turmoil? well, some may differ with me but Shovel Headed Kill Machine has definitely been influenced by the events described above shaping the band, hard-hitting and defying this album does not leave anything to the imagination. Sure, Tempo Of The Damned was a hell of a good album but this one just continues where its predecessor left off. Gary Holt & co. have carefully crafted this album for your enjoyment but the dilemma here is: if you are an Exodus fan you'll dig it but if you are not its going to be extremely hard to critic.

The song selection for the album is excellent combining fast-forward thrash like "Raze" or "Karma's Messenger" with the more mid-tempo grinding tracks such as "Shudder To Think" (mmmm smells like Blacklist...) and Altered Boy (which perfectly describes one of the most common doings within today's Christian hoax).

Rob Dukes? ahhhhhhh all I can say is that HE IS THE MAN!, he roars through the ten tracks as if there was no tomorrow! And leaves us yearning for a new bunch of new songs in the close future. Do yourself a favor and get this album ASAP