Album Reviews : Exodus – Shovel Headed Tour Machine: Live at Wacken and other Assorted Atrocities

Festivals are always a great way to experience a band, especially at the magnitude of Wacken, as the energy and excitement of this festival is always appealing to everyone. Exodus are no stranger to live releases, as they have been steadily releasing them since the early 90’s, some with very colourful titles relating to violence.

This 2 DVD/1CD release is essentially a tide over for hardcore Exodus fans until the release of the lengthy titled forthcoming album “The Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit B – The Human Condition” which will be released later in 2010. Exodus rip through a quick set of just over an hour. Starting off the show with the classic ‘Bound in Blood’ which reaches its peak and seem to perpetuate a consistent high of energy til the final song ‘Shovel Headed Kill Machine’. There is a great selection of songs for both new and old Exodus fans.

Vocalist Rob Dukes does a good job of keeping the crowd’s attention, even go as far as ranting on a little about Osama Bin Laden’s social and politic outlook during the introduction of ‘Children of a Worthless God’.  The audio quality is just flawless, like it was literally taken from the original albums and injected with a healthy dose of steroids. Tom Hunting’s kick drum and snare have a nice punch to it, Gary Holt and Lee Atlus’ guitars are delivered with a razor sharp and break neck blow while Jack Gisbon’s bass is a little unhearable at times, but comes through when needed. The back drop of Wacken and it’s monstrous crowd does well to keep your attention on the TV screen. The perpetual motion of circle pits and a horizon of flailing hair is both amusing and satisfying to watch. The audio counterpart of this package is just a simple cut and paste of the entire show onto a CD.

The second DVD in the package is jammed packed full of features including back stage antics, interviews, music videos, a feature documentary and a vintage interview from 1985. This live DVD/CD package isn’t just another tide over or typical low blow to fans to take their money and run, its jammed packed full of value and bonus content that will make any fan Exodus fan, or thrash metal fan for that matter very happy. 8/10

For fans of: Slayer, Testament, Overkill, Kreator

Band: Exodus
Album: Shovel Headed Tour Machine
Year: 2010
Genre: Heavy metal
Origin: USA
http://exodusattack.com

Disc 1 – DVD
1. Bonded By Blood
2. Iconoclasm
3. Funeral Hymn
4. A Lesson In Violence <- Reviewer’s Choice
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

Disc 2 – CD
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

Disc 3 – Documentary DVD
Documentary
Deleted Scenes
Rare Live Performances
Music Videos
Vintage Interview From 1985
Trailers
Photo Gallery