EXODUS

I don't think the grandmasters of world thrash -- EXODUS -- need any special introduction. Presented here for your attention is their album "Pleasures of the Flash." This record is already over 15 years old, but it hasn't lost its relevance to this day. This release is a unique anthology of classic thrash. Objectively, it's not the band's best work, yet it remains compelling due to its sheer variety -- practically every track has its own distinctive charm. At the same time, every song is defined by high-speed rhythms, classic early thrash techniques, and the mandatory presence of melodic solos (courtesy of Gary and Rick) set against crushing guitar riffs. Analyzing each track individually, the title track "Pleasures of the Flash" deserves special mention, with an intro strongly reminiscent of Native American ritual dances (for comparison, something very similar can be found on SEPULTURA's "Roots"). Also striking -- and completely out of step with the album's overall concept -- is "30 Seconds," a forty-two-second acoustic guitar piece that sounds remarkably like Spanish motifs (the guys probably threw it in for a breather), but it's nothing but a plus. Summing up everything said above, we arrive at the final verdict.