Few would have envisaged that an old school tharsh metal band would have such a successful come back and moreso continue on their way despite the acrimonious line-up changes. Shovel Headed sees the band with a new fresh line-up, bringing into the fold both new blood and thrash masters.

The question on everyone's mind since the departure of Steve Zetro Souza was whether or not Exodus could top off Tempo and who the hell is Rob Dukes, moreso what does he sound like?

To answer the first niggling question, the album continues the tradition of Exodus' come-back album and perhaps even adds slightly to the formula. The interesting thing about Tempo by contrast to other come-back albums generally is it didn't sound nostalgic, it was a fresh slab of modern thrash from an old school band. By contrast to Tempo, Shovel Headed is slightly more brutal, more in-your-face type songs with plenty of infectious crushing riffs yet perhaps a step behind Tempo in grabbing you upon the first spin.

The consistency however puts Shovel Headed well in front of Tempo, there are no left-overs from previous projects or previously unrecorded songs from yesteryear. This is a full proof new creation from the band and the aggression flows nicely from track to track.

Part of also makes this album so exciting is the new line-up. Rob Dukes the new vocalist replacement for Steve Souza is capable of hitting all the notes of his predecessors as well as adding his own aggressive trademark. This doesn't change bands sound dramatically however it certainly expands its aggressive thrash attack, Rob Dukes can both rasp his way through or simply growl like a monster - the texture in his aggressive voice is never tiring and adds a long overdue dyanmic to Exodus.

Other newcomers to the Exodus thrash attack are Lee Altus of Heathen and Paul Bostaph (no introductions needed there). Both proving to be a driving force behind this album, the solos stand out so much compared to Tempo - it's just an unstoppable shred after shred; Paul Bostaph sldege-hammers his way throughout the entire album, while I was never a fan of his drumming on the Slayer studio albums (live being a completely different story) his drumming seems to be reminiscent of his days in Forbidden, strong and pummelling.

Shovel Headed Kill Machine - mouthful of a title - has put all my worries to rest. There are no metalcore influences or anything trendy involved on this album. I wonder if I need to put this warning in but Shovel Headed... does not sound like Bonded By Blood, really I think by now everyone has got that with the exception of some puritists. For the rest of us who enjoy good metal this album is a ton of fun, from the time I pressed play it had me headbanging, moshing and airguitaring throughout the room.

Exodus' come-back continues to amaze me, especially that the thrash scene is feeble at best yet this band is here to stay and will hopefully be releasing a lot more quality albums with the same frequency.