Exodus - Shovel Headed Tour Machine: Live at Wacken (CD)

February 12, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Exodus is back and louder than ever with a live DVD/CD from the always-uber-metal Wacken Fest from 2008. Nearing forty, I often wonder what it might take to just get me out of bed in the morning without aching or moaning, and Exodus has at least half a decade on me and they sound as vital and energetic as they did in ’83! I’m amazed and jealous! This gig is pure energy from the get-go and it doesn’t let up for a second! Ah, I remember the old days fondly…but I digress….

Wacken usually tends to bring out the best in any metal band, simply because the crowds there are some of the best metal crowds in the world, hands down! It’s a testament to the true mettle of a band if they can win over the toughest crowd in the world, and the band had them in the palm of their hands. I know Paul Baloff would have been proud of Rob Duke’s vocals on the opening track “Bonded by Blood,” as it has all the power and violence of the original. Anyone that claims Exodus has lost a step or given in to age is sadly mistaken. Shovel Headed Tour Machine is, indeed, both a lesson in violence and how to age gracefully without giving way to current mallcore trends or vying to keep up with the Joneses. Exodus was a seminal part of the Bay-area sound of the 80s and is still proudly holding the American flag as one of the masters of the game.

The setlist is a strong one, with the obligatory “Toxic Waltz” giving way to solid anthems like “Funeral Hymn” or “Piranha.” The former is a pounding tune that sticks in your head the entire day, and Gary Holt proves without a doubt he still has the chops for thrash metal brutality. When “A Lesson in Violence” kicks in, the old days of Exodus at the Metro or Aragon Ballroom in Chicago come flooding back for me and make me want to get up and slam into the bookcases, though I’m sure my old bones might not take such wanton abuse anymore! So I’ll resign myself to sit here and inform you that this live DVD/CD set is one well worth getting. As for the live CD’s production and overall sound, it’s top-notch all the way! If all live albums sounded this way there wouldn’t be as many rolls of the eyes when a band announces they’re releasing a live CD (unless, of course, it’s Iron Maiden or KISS, who already have a million of them!) It’s violent, uncompromising and hella good!

The DVD not only has the Wacken show, but also a documentary of the band’s last half-decade of touring along with photo galleries, bonus footage and some promo videos, everything a true metal fan would want to pass an evening! There will also be a limited edition digipack of the set, as well as the standard DVD (that won’t include the live CD) as well as a vinyl press. What more do you people need? Get off your ass toxic waltz!

Exodus has remained one of America’s finest 80s exports, and the band delivers a product worthy of its long lineage and discography. January 15 is coming up, so settle down after the holidays, take a deep breath or two, then just hit multitudinous things in the privacy of your home as Exodus further assails your craniums! Just watch the concussions….

Release Date: January 15, 2010   
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Bonded By Blood
2.  Iconoclasm
3.  Funeral Hymn
4.  A Lesson In Violence
5.  Children Of A Worthless God
6.  Piranha
7.  Deathamphetamine
8.  Blacklist
9.  War Is My Shepherd
10.  Strike Of The Beast
11.  Shovel Headed Kill Machine

Total playing time: 63:00

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

Check out Chris' review of the DVD:
Exodus - Shovel Headed Tour Machine: Live at Wacken here: