Exodus

Exodus formed in 1980 in Richmond, California, rising from the Bay Area thrash scene to become one of metal's most influential bands. They helped define a generation of fast, aggressive guitar-driven music, pushing tempos and precision to new extremes and inspiring countless bands that followed. Their relentless energy, political and horror-themed lyricism, and uncompromising attitude cemented their place as a cornerstone of the thrash metal movement and a blueprint for speed and aggression in metal guitar playing.

Key member Gary Holt has been the band’s driving force for decades, with early guitarist Kirk Hammett leaving to join Metallica and helping launch Exodus into the wider metal dialogue. Their debut Bonded by Blood (1985) is widely cited as a thrash metal touchstone, while a long-running career, multiple lineup changes, and relentless touring have kept Exodus at the forefront of the scene. Through both early classics and later releases, Exodus demonstrated a fearless willingness to push riffs harder, tempos faster, and melodies deeper, leaving a lasting imprint on rock and metal music alike.