Exodus – Goliath
Release Date: 20th March 2026
Label: Napalm Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Thrash Metal, Speed Metal.
FFO: Overkill, Testament, Death Angel, Slayer, Kreator, Destruction, Anthrax.
Review By: Rick Farley
So, it’s probably safe to say that most metalheads know who Exodus are and that they are thrash metal royalty responsible for helping to launch a metal revolution. Comprised of Gary Holt, Lee Altus, Tom Hunting, Jack Gibson and the returning Rob Dukes, Exodus are again primed to take over the once held American thrash metal throne with the release of their twelfth full length studio album Goliath being released via Napalm Records.
Disclaimer, I have been an Exodus fan since 1986, so it pains me a little to say what I’m about to say. With a possible going out on a controversial limb, and my claim that this album is not nearly as good as a lot of people are saying it is. The reviews I’ve already seen regarding Goliath are rating it rather high, which brings me to another question “have these people actually heard Exodus before?” That might come across a little dickish but hey this is thrash metal.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this doesn’t have that special Exodus violence that we all love and bang our head recklessly to, but there are several tracks here that are strutting new musical territory in some fashion which is not something I want to hear from a legacy band forty some years into their careers. I’m all for trying new things, but the usual firestorm of jagged riffs and belligerent vocals are present on only about half the album. That Exodus snarl is partially missing in places. Also, I won’t neglect to tell you that I’m a “Zetro” guy first; Rob Dukes vocal performance on this album while solid is often too outside the thrash metal spectrum for my tastes concerning the band. When he’s doing the traditional harsh vocal spewing, I’m all for it, but he’s missing a lot of that snotty Exodus personality. His performance on albums like Shovel Headed Kill Machine and The Atrocity Exhibition – Exhibit A are both killer but here he is trying way too hard to be varied. There’s a level of experimentation on this album that vocally or musically doesn’t completely work. In my opinion, bands like Exodus or Overkill have a particular style that you always want present, you can still branch out as long as you don’t alienate the fanbase too much and for me personally Goliath sounds like the result of a legendary band just throwing stuff out there. 1992’s rightfully criticised Force of Habit was also too adventurous and in my opinion that’s where we are again.
Tracks like 3111, Hostis Humani Generis, Beyond the Event Horizon and 2 Minutes Hate are absolute thrash monsters full of grit, dirt, and violence. Unhinged vocals, sharp-edged riffs, and an attitude full of menace. Album closer, the punky Dirtiest of the Dozen shows that the band can reach outside the box a little and still be fresh while maintaining their ruthless sound.
Honestly, I can understand why this album will be well received, but I can also understand why others may be miffed. In the end they are still legends deserving respect and production wise it sounds incredible. Nasty guitar tones, thick, slinky bass, and thudding drums crush your bones easily. Rob’s vocals are perfectly placed in the mix and carry a lot of weight. All of the elements you want are here, a little misplaced and mixed but here; this is solely my opinion. I’ve read where a few people are even saying this is one of their best, but I feel the need to offer an alternate perspective because my listening experience is different. This is no Tempo of the Damned, but it is still Exodus. It’s listenable but not what I expected. Take that for what you will.
(3 / 5)
