Exodus

Exodus are a thrash metal band from Richmond, California, formed in 1979. They count among the pioneers of the Bay Area scene, and their first guitarist, Kirk Hammett, went on to join Metallica. Guitarist Gary Holt has been in the band since 1981 and is the only member to play on every album, while drummer Tom Hunting is the last link to the original line-up.

Their early run is the one most fans return to: Bonded by Blood (1985), Pleasures of the Flesh (1987) and Fabulous Disaster (1989). The last of these brought interest from major labels and a deal with Capitol, which led to Impact Is Imminent and Force of Habit. After a breakup in 1993 and a brief reunion in the late 1990s, they returned in 2001. Tempo of the Damned (2004) revived their standing and played a part in the thrash revival of the 2000s. Goliath, their thirteenth studio album, followed in 2026.