Bay Area thrash legends EXODUS have unleashed their 13th studio album "Goliath" on March 20 via Napalm Records, and it may be their most adventurous record to date. The album marks the surprise return of vocalist Rob Dukes, who last appeared on 2010's "Exhibit B: The Human Condition" before being replaced by Steve "Zetro" Souza for the band's subsequent albums.
Dukes' return brings a rawer, more aggressive edge to the ten-track offering, which the band self-produced before handing mixing and mastering duties to Mark Lewis, known for his work with WHITECHAPEL, NILE, and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER. The production is massive yet surgical, allowing every riff to cut through with lethal precision.
What sets "Goliath" apart from previous EXODUS records is its willingness to collaborate. Peter Tägtgren of HYPOCRISY and PAIN lends his vocal and production talents to one of the album's standout tracks, while classically trained violinist Katie Jacoby adds an unexpected but thrilling dimension to the arrangements. The result is a record that expands the boundaries of thrash without abandoning its ferocity.
Key tracks include the crushing opener "3111", the emotionally charged "Promise You This", and the monolithic title track "Goliath", which builds from a slow, doomy intro into a relentless thrash assault. Gary Holt's guitar work remains as razor-sharp as ever, proving that four decades into their career, EXODUS still have plenty of venom left to spit. "Goliath" stands as a testament to the enduring power of Bay Area thrash and a bold new chapter for one of the genre's founding acts.