Musicologists have argued over who should be included in thrash metal’s canonical “Big Four” for decades. Overkill, Testament, and Metal Church have all been put forward for inclusion (often at the expense of Anthrax), but the Four should definitely become a quintet to include the Bay Area’s Exodus. With roots dating back to 1979, Exodus were an influence on many bands who would later usurp them in the commercial stakes, yet they remained true to their roots, releasing a string of solid albums, despite a frequent turnover of band members. With former vocalist Robert Dukes back in the fold and monolithic new album Goliath about to be released, Exodus seem set to take their rightful place amongst thrash metal’s demiurge.

Proceeded by a cover of the Scorpions’ ‘He’s A Woman, She’s A Man’ (featuring Death Angel’s Mark Osegueda on vocals) the omens for Goliath weren’t looking good. Thankfully, that was a slight misstep (seriously, Exodus should avoid cover versions: ‘Low Rider’, ‘Beating Around The Bush’, ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’, the band are better than that) and opening track ‘3111’ finds the band arriving with teeth bared and fangs dripping with blood (which is exactly how you want Exodus to appear). It’s a nasty riff, heavily laden with danger and despair, emitting a level of viciousness that their recent singles were missing. Bursting into life and exploding like a bomb at the 90-second mark, ‘3111’ will make an equally vivacious set opener and you can almost visual the crowd going crazy as guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Atlus perform their dance of death.

The great thing about Exodus (and the main argument for them joining the Big Four/Five) is the sheer variety in their work. Obviously, thrash is their bread and butter, and there are plenty of supersonic moments on here; there are sections of ‘Hostis Humani Generis’ that are so fast they appear to be rotating backwards, yet there are also slower moments that are ideal for moshing and also for providing contrast. Of course, the more restrained sections only serve to act as a foil to make the faster seem more frenetic, but it’s a move their peers often overlook. Rather than being an all out thrash-athon, Goliath’s shifting tempos gives the album an organic ebb and flow, there’s a push and pull between the fast and the slow that means the album has a natural rhythm. It means that Goliath is the kind of album you can easily sit through in one sitting and your attention will never flag and means the blitzkrieg ‘Promise You This’ will sit next to the slow and crushing title-track quite effortlessly.

When taking an overview of Exodus’ career, the constant turnover of band members has obviously had an impact; it takes time for changes to gel and solidify, meaning they’ve often stuttered when they should have been charging ahead. Yet on occasion the addition of new personnel has rejuvenated the band and Robert Dukes serves such a purpose here. Exodus have got their mojo back, and if proof were needed, look no further than Goliath.

• Goliath is released via Napalm Records on 20th March 2026.

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Track List:

1. 3111
2. Hostis Humani Generis
3. The Changing Me
4. Promise You This
5. Goliath
6. Beyond The Event Horizon
7. 2 Minutes Hate
8. Violence Works
9. Summon Of The God Unknown
10. The Dirtiest Of The Dozen