EXODUS Singer On 'Bonded' Re-Recording: 'This Record Is A Total Homage' To PAUL BALOFF

July 13, 2008

Vocalist Rob Dukes of the veteran San Francisco Bay Area metallers EXODUS has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding the band's decision to re-record its classic 1985 debut album, "Bonded by Blood":

"Paul [Baloff, former EXODUS vocalist who passed away in 2002] was rad, totally original. He was not like [METALLICA's James] Hetfield or [SLAYER's Tom] Araya. I think at times he wanted to be but he was simply himself. He had a really cool way of going up with his voice in the weirdest spots. I, myself, find it cool and original.

"I have been singing these songs regularly for three years now and I have totally made them my own but with all the nuances that Paul threw in. I have a different voice than Paul, so it would be kinda stupid to just mimic him, but I definitely bite his style but try to remain myself.

"This record is a total homage to him with modern technology and for fun. If he was around, which it is unfortunate that he not, he would be doing this record.

"My life is cool now, but it was cool before I joined EXODUS; I made good money had a great apartment in L.A. and I traveled everywhere and surfed regularly.

'Honestly, I would rather hear Paul re-record this.

"I will give these songs all the venom and hate I can give, and it's all for the love I have for these songs and this band. If those out there don't like it, and think it's not good, listen to the original — it will always stand the test of time."

Capital Chaos has posted video footage of EXODUS performing the song "Strike of the Beast" on July 5, 2008 at the Tidal Wave Festival at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in San Francisco's McLaren Park. Watch the clip below.

Produced by guitarist Gary Holt, the re-recording of "Bonded by Blood" — entitled "Let there be Blood" — was laid down at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California; JKZ Production Studio in San Rafael, California; with vocal tracks recorded at J. Rod Production Studios in New City, New York. Andy Sneap is currently mixing the CD at his Backstage studio in Derbyshire, England. An October 2008 release through Zaentz Records is expected.

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