Exodus were formed in the San Francisco Bay Area by Tom Hunting and Kirk Hammet back in 1982. Soon Gary Holt and Paul Baloff joined the ranks, along with original bass-player, Jeff Andrews. They were one of the pioneering bands in the rising thrash metal scene, and released their first demo in 1982. A year later, Kirk Hammet left to take Dave Mustaine's place in Metallica, and Exodus added Rick Hunolt and Rob McKillop to their ranks. They recorded their debut album, 'Bonded By Blood', released in 1985. After a successful tour, Paul Baloff is let go, and replaced with Steve "Zetro" Souza (ex-Legacy, the band that would later become known as Testament). After experiencing a host of record company and personal problems, Exodus eventually split up in 1992. Then in late 1996 Paul Baloff, Gary Holt, Rick Hunolt, Tom Hunting and new bass-player Jack Gibson reunited, only to split up again the next year. In 2001 the band once again emerged, this time to participate in the Trash of the Titans tour, a benefit tour to aid Testament vocalist Chuck Billy. After the tour, Exodus once again begins working on new material. Unfortunately disaster strikes on February 2, 2002, when Paul Baloff suffers a stroke, which ultimately takes his life. Compelled to continue the legacy Paul was a part of, the remaining members agree to continue. "Zetro" returns to the ranks, and the band was now more powerful then ever! But it wasn't long before "Zetro" was once again out. This time the band enlisted the unknown Rob Dukes to do vocal duties. He brought a slightly more modern approach to the band, and together with new guitarist Lee Altus, and legendary drummer Paul Bostaph, another chapter in the band's history started. In 2007 Tom Hunting once again return to the drum chair.

BONDED BY BLOOD (1985) COMBAT

What can I write about this album that haven't already been written? Probably nothin'! This is simply one of the best thrash metal albums of all times. As such it has it's rightful place in metal history, and it's not that hard to hear why. Apart from the typical debut-album-released-in-1985 no-budget production, this is still a thrash metal masterpiece. Back then we weren't so hung up on production values. In fact I think that the dirty, muddy sound on albums like this one actually enhanced the feeling we all were looking for; "this is some mean and dangerous music we're listening too! It's for every one, but it appeals to us!" So instead of crystal clear production, and triggered drums, we were looking for lethal guitar riffs, barking vocals and thunderous drums. Exodus had all of that. Additionally they were pioneers in the new thrash metal genre. At the time this was the meanest, fastest, angriest music at hand. And we could not get enough of it. Before the scene exploded, Exodus' 'Bonded By Blood' was already a legendary album. It ranked alongside Metallica's 'Kill 'em All' and Slayer's 'Show No Mercy' as some of most vicious and influential metal releases. None of these acts would ever be as "dangerous" as they were back in their early days.

The album was originally titled 'A Lesson in Violence', but had its name changed when a suitable cover idea could not be found. An advance cassette copy of the album (with the original title) was widely distributed through the tape-trading network upon the record's completion late in the summer of 1984, creating an immense underground buzz prior to the official release of the LP. The release was delayed, however, due to problems with the artwork.

This is the original cover. Later, the album was re-released on CD with just the logo and album name set against a black and red crowd shot. The reissue includes two bonus live tracks, with Steve "Zetro" Souza on vocals (recorded live in London on March 8,1989). These same bonus tracks are also included on the 1999 Century Media reissue, which restored the original cover. In 2008 the band re-recorded the album with the current line-up, and released it as 'Let There Be Blood'.

Killer tracks: They are all thrash metal classics.

PLEASURES OF THE FLESH (1987) COMBAT

Exodus figured they had to ante it up on their sophomore record, and decided to do so without Paul Baloff. So, together with their charismatic new singer, ex-Legacy (now Testament) throat Steve Souza, the band unleashed 'Pleasures Of The Flesh'.

Largely hailed as the bands shining moment, this is a thrash metal milestone. Although personally I will probably always hold 'Bonded By Blood' as my favorite, I can still easily hear that this album is a much more thorough effort. The production for instance is leaps and bound better than it was on the debut. Well, save for the drum sound, maybe. They sound like they are played through the speakers on an old TV-set or something! But other than that, 'Pleasures Of The Flesh' is a snapshot of thrash metal ala 1987. That means neck-breaking speed, a sneering vocalist with an attitude, razor sharp guitars and a bulldozer for a rhythm section. Songs like "Deranged" and "Parasite" will rip your face off in sheer speed. But I also find that the crushingly mid-paced stuff, like "Brain Dead" works just as well. I could have done without the opening narration, and the jungle drums leading into the title track, but other than that, I find this CD to be a thrash metal masterpiece. As long as the Holt/Hunolt guitar-duo is here to deliver their lethal thrashing attack, I'm here to bang my head in sync.

All the up-and-coming thrash metal bands of the new millennium are trying to sound like it was still 1987. And Exodus is the reason why. It worked for them, and few bands would ever manage to come close to their take on Bay Area thrash metal. Sure, many a band had more success. But I dare say that Exodus were more influential in that they were the originators.

Killer tracks: Deranged, Parasite, Brain Dead, Pleasures Of The Flesh, Seeds Of Hate

FABULOUS DISASTER (1988, 1999) CENTURY MEDIA

Exodus was on a roll during the mid-80's, and quickly followed up with their 3rd effort, named 'Fabulous Disaster'. The album was first released in Europe in late 1988, on the Music For Nations label. But the fans in the US had to wait to January, 1989, when it got it's American release through Combat/Relativity Records.

'The Last Act of Defiance' opens the ball with a spoken intro about the prison system. The standard is set from first note, with breathtaking speed, Steve's gnarly vocals, and pristine production. The band also takes some pointers from Anthrax, letting the humor take over lyrically for a song or two. This is of course most noticeable in the bands signature song, at the time a huge MTV favorite, "The Toxic Waltz". That is the song responsible for me getting into Exodus. There are also some mid-paced crunchers here. "Like Father, Like Son" is actually an 8 minute plus epic number about child abuse. So Exodus weren't afraid of threading new territories, while not abandoning their thrash metal core in the least.

'Fabulous Disaster' is yet another fantastic Exodus album. However, it doesn't come without flaws. The cover of War's funky "Low Rider" would make for a fun singles B-side. But in the midst of the original thrashers, it sticks out like a turd in a punch bowl. So my overall impression of 'Fabulous Disaster' is that it is not as strong as both it's predecessors. Ending the CD version of the album is yet another cover song. "Overdose" was originally recorded by AC/DC.

Killer tracks: The Last Act Of Defiance, The Toxic Waltz, Like Father, Like Son

IMPACT IS IMMINENT (1990, 2008) CAROLINE RECORDS/CAPITOL RECORDS/EMI (Vinyl Replica reissue)

Exodus' second line-up change since their demo days occurs in time for the bands 4th studio album. This time John Tempesta replaces original member Tom Hunting on drums. This was due to an illness on Tom's part.

John brings a more frantic drumming style to the band, adding even more speed on the faster songs. However there are also more of the groove-laden material on this platter. "Within The Walls Of Chaos" for example, takes off pretty much where "Like Father, Like Son" left us on the last CD. That means a thriving, mid-paced composition, with a slouching vocal delivery. Gone are also the out-of-place cover songs, and most of the humor from the bands last album. What we are left with is some blistering thrash metal, of course! And that is the way it is supposed to be. Exodus are once again toxic waltzing [sic] all over the competition with another album to assaults your senses.

As a whole I find 'Impact Is Imminent' to be a little weaker then its predecessors. I just don't find as many killer songs on it as I had hoped, and it totally lacks any innovation. And by 1990 so many other thrash metal bands were delivering much better albums, that appealed way more to me than anything from Exodus. That is not to say that 'Impact Is imminent' is a bad record. It just has a lot to live up to.

My version of 'Impact Is Imminent' is the 2008 Caroline Records reissue. This is a so called Vinyl Replica reissue. That means that the CD comes in a slim cardboard cover, and this one even has an inner-sleeve. But since there are no booklet all the original text is printed on the back of the sleeve, thus making it unreadable. I don't think any remastering or improvements has been done to the music either.

Killer tracks: Impact Is Imminent, The Lunatic Parade, Only Death Decides, Heads They Win (Tails you Lose)

FORCE OF HABIT (1992) CAPITOL

Hearing a classic thrash bands 1992 release for the first time in 2002 gives me mixed feelings. VERY few bands have continued to put out stellar albums, WITHOUT changing styles, or jumping on some bandwagon. However, Exodus manage to pull this one off. Maybe it's because they never really quit, and so this is just a logical step further in their career. Behind one of the worst covers in metal history, we find some very enjoyable music. This band has not forgotten their roots, and many of the songs are as thrash metal as the band ever was. What a delight! But on the other hand, there are so many songs on the platter, it is almost bound to be some less good tracks on it. Exodus drown a little bit when they try to play more regular power metal, and if they had thrown away 1/3 of the songs, it would have been an even more enjoyable CD. "Bitch" is a Rolling Stones cover and "Pump It Up" is an Elvis Costello cover. None of them very good. And the 10 minute + "Architect Of Pain" is another one I could have done without. If you wonder if anyone could make good thrash metal in the year 1992, give "Fuel For The Fire" a spin!

Killer tracks: Force Of Habit, Fuel For The Fire, Count Your Blessings

ANOTHER LESSON IN VIOLENCE (1997) CENTURY MEDIA

Exodus had a rather short lived reunion with original vocalist, Paul Baloff, back in the late 90's, and this is the fruits of that time period. 'Another Lesson In Violence' is a live album, recorded at the infamous Trocadero is San Francisco. The band sounds good and tight, but I prefer the album versions of most songs. The crowd interaction is mixed in very low, and I would have preferred it otherwise. All in all though, you can't beat classics such as "Pleasures Of The Flesh", "Piranha" and "Seeds Of Hate". Naturally concentrating mainly on the first album, we also get treated to a couple of tracks from 'Pleasures Of The Flesh'. "Impaler" is a very old track, written back when Kirk Hammet was still in the band, and never properly recorded until 'Tempo Of The Damned'. I've never understood why they have to include the f*** word every other second they utter something in between songs though.

TEMPO OF THE DAMNED (2004) NUCLEAR BLAST (Digipak)

Exodus are BACK!!!!!!!! The finest comeback album I've ever heard has arrived. 'Tempo Of The Damned' is by far the best thrash metal album since Kreator's 'Violent Revolution'. They really are back in form, much thanks to the clever production of one Andy Sneap. "Zetro" screams, shouts, snarls, growls and sounds better than ever. Gary and Rick are churning out a massive wall of guitars, sounding very 80's thrash metal! The song "Impaler" was actually written by the band back when Kirk Hammet was still in their ranks. They just never recorded it until now. What more can a metalhead want? I must say that the album does have one downside to it. The language used here is very immature. F*** this and f*** that just doesn't cut it for me these days. But then again, I'm not one who dwells on the lyrical aspect of most of my CD's. I love the artwork on here though. The digi-pack version also includes a cover of the AC/DC classic "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap", which the band pull of very well, staying close to the original.

Killer tracks: War Is My Shepherd, Blacklist, Forward March, Impaler

SHOVEL HEADED KILL MACHINE (2005) NUCLEAR BLAST

'Tempo of the Damned' was a glorious return for Exodus, and the fans anxiously awaited more. However, instead of cruising the newfound success the band suffered from internal struggles. First Hunolt decided to leave the band to concentrate on his family life. He was replaced by guitarist Lee Altus (Heathen). Tom Hunting also left following a re-occurrence of the nervous problems that led to his temporary departure in 1989. Hunting was replaced with Paul Bostaph (Forbidden, Slayer, Testament). Last, but not least, "Zetro" was fired, reportedly caused by a dispute after a concert in New Jersey. At first they brought in Steev Esquivel (ex-Defiance, Skinlab) as the new singer, but eventually landed on a more unknown talent, named Rob Dukes. So a year and a half since the last album, Exodus returned with a brand new lineup and their 9th studio album.

'Shovel Headed Kill Machine' was the name of the new beast. Many were skeptical as to whether or not the huge changes within the band would change their overall sound. I guess the jury is still out on that one. This still sounds like an Exodus platter. It's fast, it's angry and it is definitely thrash metal. But with a more hardcore styled singer, and an update in production values, this is still a different album from Exodus. It's consistently angry, but at the same time it is also more groove-oriented than it's predecessor. It's also pretty easy to hear that half the bands classic guitar duo is gone. Now don't get me wrong, Lee Altus is an awesome guitarist, and he delivers some smooth guitar solos to this effort, but I'm still not sure that he is the right man for Exodus.

In the end I think what will make or brake this one for you is whether or not you like the new singer. Rob has a very modern approach to thrash metal singing, and to me it sounds a little out of place in a classic band like Exodus. But if that is you're cup of tea, then by all means, drink up! Now, there are some killer songs on this platter, so I still play this from time to time. But I know at least 5 other Exodus albums I play even more often.

Killer tracks: Raze, Shudder To Think, Altered Boy

Related artists:

Metallica, Testament, Hirax, Heathen, Machine Head