The band recorded their debut album, Bonded by Blood , in the summer

The band recorded their debut album, Bonded by Blood , in the summer of 1984 with the band’s manager Mark Whitaker producing. Concert photos from their 1984 performance at Aquatic Park ‘s Eastern Front Metal Festival (with Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies ) and at Ruthie’s Inn (with Megadeth and Slayer) were included on the album sleeve inserts. Originally titled A Lesson in Violence , the album was not released until April 1985 amidst creative and business setbacks. Whilst Bonded by Blood is considered a highly influential thrash metal album today, critics have regarded the delay in its release as having hindered the impact the album could have had. As AllMusic reviewer Eduardo Rivadavia would later write in his review for the album, “Had it been released immediately after it was recorded in 1984, Exodus’ Bonded by Blood might be regarded today alongside Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All as one of the landmark albums responsible for launching the thrash metal wave.” Exodus promoted the album by going on tour with Venom and Slayer on the Ultimate Revenge Tour. Four songs from their performance of April 5, 1985 at Studio 54 in New York City were filmed and released on home video as Combat Tour Live: The Ultimate Revenge . The band subsequently toured or played selected shows with Exciter , Megadeth, Anthrax , King Diamond , Possessed, D.R.I. , Nuclear Assault , and Hirax . In the fall of 1985, the band supported Venom on their European tour, the group then sporadically toured California throughout 1986.