When the members of the likes of Evile, Bonded By Blood, Warbringer, Gamma Bomb were nothing more than a glint in their Daddy’s eye Exodus were turning out Thrash Metal that not so much help define the genre but in fact created it in many ways. While the ‘big four’ dominated the late 80’s, Exodus continued to spread the gospel of the Bay Area in its rawest and often purest sense, ignoring what was deemed commercially viable choosing to plough their own furrow. 25 years on from ‘Bonded By Blood’ sees the band releasing their ninth studio album, and the million dollar question is, are these old school stalwarts still as vital as they were all those years ago?

At 78 minutes long ‘Exhibit B: The Human Condition’ certainly shows that Exodus are not lacking stamina as they hit middle age and coming in twice as long as the aforementioned ‘Bonded By Blood’ there can be no complaints your not getting value for your dollar; but what of the quality for your dollar? Like the three offerings since the bands reformation in 2001 Gary Holt has proved he has only one speed, and that is break neck. It’s hard to fathom whether there is a burning desire to make every release heavier, faster and longer than its predecessor, but that appears to be the trend forming with each new Exodus album. While it’s hard to find notable flaws in the album to take the whole 78 minutes in one sitting I’d consider a real act of endurance and would test the resolve of even the most dedicated Thrash fan.

The album is perhaps the best demonstration over recent Exodus releases of this being a little less of the Gary Holt show and more a collective effort. The album opener and one of the strongest songs, "The Ballad of Leonard and Charles" was penned by Holt’s partner in crime Lee Altus; and while the Altus/Holt partnership carries a little less romantic nostalgia than the famed Hunolt/Holt days it’s fair to say it also carries a lot less emotional baggage. Altus turns in his most rounded performance to date and more than matches Holt on the soloing stakes. Rob Dukes, is well….Rob Dukes! By now you sort of know what you’re going to get from the front man and he is true to form, turning in another snarling pit bull like vocal performance; totally in keeping with albums overall uba aggressive vibe.

‘Exhibit B: The Human Condition’ can in no way be considered a poor or substandard album, and in fact many of the new crop of Thrashers would sell their Grandmother to be able to churn out such consistent quality over nearly 80 minutes……but, yes there is always a but and if there is a criticism it is that there is a lack of variation. The full force torrent of aggression leaves you after 40 or so minutes feeling a little desensitised and quite frankly numb. The short sharp shock treatment I feel works best when it comes to Thrash, just look at ‘Reign In Blood’ as a case in point and I think Exodus have taken their desire to craft a master piece beyond where they needed to go. All that being said, this is still Exodus and by Christ they are still leaders with as many followers now as ever there were.