Exodus

Exodus is an iconic American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in Richmond, California. Widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the thrash metal movement, Exodus has earned a reputation for their aggressive sound, lightning-fast guitar riffs, and intense live performances. The band was founded by guitarist Gary Holt, who would become the group's constant driving force and principal songwriter throughout their career.

Exodus' early lineup included key figures like vocalist Paul Baloff and guitarist Kirk Hammett, who would later go on to join Metallica. Despite several lineup changes over the years, Exodus’ raw, uncompromising sound has remained a hallmark of their music. Their 1985 debut album Bonded by Blood is considered a thrash metal classic, with its combination of ferocious speed, intricate solos, and gritty lyrics about rebellion, violence, and societal turmoil. The album has since become one of the genre’s most influential releases.

After Baloff's departure in 1986, the band saw a revolving door of vocalists, ultimately settling with Steve "Zetro" Souza in 1986, whose signature vocal style would become synonymous with the band’s identity. Their second album, Pleasures of the Flesh (1987), continued the band’s momentum, showcasing their ability to evolve while staying true to their thrash roots. However, it was Fabulous Disaster (1989) that solidified their place in metal history, delivering some of their most memorable tracks and further expanding their influence.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Exodus endured a series of challenges, including lineup changes, shifts in the music industry, and a brief hiatus. However, they returned in the 2000s with a vengeance, releasing Shovel Headed Kill Machine(2005), The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A (2007), and Exhibit B: The Human Condition (2010), all of which were met with critical acclaim. Gary Holt’s consistent vision and relentless energy kept the band’s fire alive, and their music evolved to incorporate more technical elements while retaining their thrash roots.

Exodus continued to make waves in the thrash scene with their 2014 album Blood In, Blood Out, which featured the return of Paul Baloff’s successor, Zetro Souza. The album was lauded for its revitalized energy, with tracks like "Salt the Wound" and "Bitter Victory" reminding listeners of Exodus’ relentless approach to thrash metal. The band's 2021 album Persona Non Grata further solidified their place as one of thrash metal's most enduring and innovative bands.

Over the course of their career, Exodus has earned a dedicated following and influenced countless metal bands worldwide. Known for their blistering live shows, they have shared the stage with heavyweights like Slayer, Anthrax, and Metallica, and their music continues to inspire both old and new generations of metal fans. With Gary Holt still at the helm, Exodus remains a force in the heavy metal world, their legacy firmly cemented in the annals of thrash history.