Let There Be Blood cover

Released 18 years ago this October

Let There Be Blood

Exodus · 2008

45 min · 10 tracks · thrash metal

Relentless thrash metal fury reinterpreting classic tracks with raw energy and a fierce commitment to the genre's roots.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Bonded by Blood — Opening with an aggressive riff that sets the tone for the entire album, this track encapsulates the raw energy and spirit of early thrash metal.
  • →
    A Lesson in Violence — The frenetic pace and intricate guitar work highlight Exodus's technical prowess while delivering a relentless onslaught that resonates deeply with fans.
  • →
    Strike of the Beast — This track features powerful lyrics that confront themes of destruction and chaos, showcasing both lyrical depth and musical intensity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of thrash metal with energetic reinterpretations, though it leans on established material.

What we noticed

  • The guitar riffs are heavily distorted and feature intricate solos that showcase technical proficiency.
  • Vocals are delivered with a raw intensity, often layered with backing screams to enhance the ferocity of the sound.
  • The album's production emphasizes a live feel, with minimal studio polish, allowing the band's energy to dominate.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • urgent energy for high intensity
  • dynamic flow with varied pacing
  • cathartic release through aggression
  • for workout motivation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer gentle, soothing sounds
  • seek laid-back listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Let There Be Blood marked Exodus's return to the studio after a hiatus, following their 2005 album, Shovel Headed Kill Machine. This 2008 release was a re-recording of their seminal debut, Bonded by Blood, showcasing the band's evolution while paying homage to their origins. It illustrated a creative resurgence and reaffirmed their position in the thrash metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Testament· Overkill· Anthrax

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Deliver Us to Evil

    The bridge shifts from a narrative perspective to a direct plea for deliverance, intensifying the urgency of the song's theme.

    This structural choice amplifies the emotional weight of the lyrics, marking a distinct moment where personal desperation intertwines with broader existential fears.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bonded by Blood 3:35
  • 2 Exodus 4:16
  • 3 And Then There Were None 5:14
  • 4 A Lesson in Violence 3:46
  • 5 Metal Command 4:12
  • 6 Piranha 3:52
  • 7 No Love 5:48
  • 8 Deliver Us to Evil 7:43
  • 9 Strike of the Beast 4:17
  • 10 Hell’s Breath 2:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata