What makes Tempo of the Damned by Exodus notable?

Tempo of the Damned received acclaim for its aggressive sound and lyrical themes addressing war and societal issues, helping to solidify Exodus's status as a leading force in the thrash revival movement of the early 2000s. The album debuted at number 57 on the Billboard 200, showcasing its commercial impact amid a resurgence of interest in metal. Released in 2004, Tempo of the Damned marked Exodus's return after a lengthy hiatus since their previous studio album, Force of Habit in 1992. This release was pivotal for the band as it revitalized their presence in the thrash metal scene during a time when many of their contemporaries were fading from the spotlight.

Who is Tempo of the Damned for?

Tempo of the Damned works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Tempo of the Damned?

Tempo of the Damned has 10 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Tempo of the Damned

Exodus · 2004

54 min · 10 tracks · thrash metal

A relentless barrage of thrash riffs and ferocious vocals propels this album into a furious sonic assault on the senses.

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Top tracks — play these first

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War Is My Shepherd — This track stands out with its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics that reflect on the brutality of war, encapsulating the album's thematic focus.
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Scar Spangled Banner — By reinterpreting a patriotic anthem into a critique of modern American values, this opener sets an intense tone for the album while challenging listeners' perceptions.
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Culling the Herd — Offering complex arrangements and blistering solos, this track showcases Exodus's musical prowess while addressing themes of survival and societal reckoning.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive riffs and thematic depth, marking a strong return for Exodus in the thrash metal scene.

What we noticed

The album opens with a cover of the 'Star-Spangled Banner' played on guitar, setting a confrontational tone before launching into aggressive thrash tracks.
Each song features rapid tempo changes and intricate guitar solos, often shifting from fast-paced riffs to slower, heavier breakdowns.
Lyrically, the album addresses themes of war and societal issues, with many tracks featuring shouted vocals that emphasize urgency and intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
intense focus and engagement

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2004, Tempo of the Damned marked Exodus's return after a lengthy hiatus since their previous studio album, Force of Habit in 1992. This release was pivotal for the band as it revitalized their presence in the thrash metal scene during a time when many of their contemporaries were fading from the spotlight.
Stylistic neighbors: Testament· Overkill· Anthrax