Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in Richmond, California. Spanning a career of over 30 years, Exodus has gone through numerous lineup changes, two extended hiatuses, and the deaths of two former band members. Guitarist Gary Holt remains the only constant member of the band, appearing on all their releases. Drummer Tom Hunting is one of the founding members, and departed from the band twice but has since returned to the lineup.
With nine studio albums, two live albums and two compilations, Exodus has released a total of thirteen albums since their debut album Bonded by Blood in 1985. The band had particular success in the late 1980s. Their first three albums Bonded by Blood, Pleasures of the Flesh and Fabulous Disaster, cemented Exodus’ reputation as one of the most successful thrash metal bands. The critical praise given to Fabulous Disaster garnered attention from major labels, including Capitol Records, with whom Exodus would eventually sign in 1990. Exodus released two more albums, Impact Is Imminent and Force of Habit, before disbanding in 1993. After a temporary return in 1997-1998, Exodus reformed for a second time in 2001, and since then they have released five more albums, the most recent being 2010′s Exhibit B: The Human Condition.
Formation and early years (1980–1983)
In 1980, guitarists Kirk Hammett and Tim Agnello, drummer Tom Hunting, bassist Carlton Melson, and vocalist Keith Stewart formed the initial lineup of Exodus. Hammett had named the band after Leon Uris’ 1958 novel of the same title.[2] Bassist Melson would soon be replaced by Jeff Andrews.[3][4] Before long, Agnello would also leave the group (and music) to pursue a life of ministry in Stockton, California and would be replaced by Hammett’s guitar technician Gary Holt.
In 1981, Kirk Hammett met El Cerrito resident Paul Baloff at a North Berkeley house party, a friendship that was started – according to aspiring guitarist Hammett – by both’s admiration for punk rock and 1970s heavy metal music; Baloff would then take Stewart’s place as vocalist. The quintet would record a demo tape the same year, a release which would be Hammett’s only recording with the band. Jeff Andrews would leave immediately after the tape to start an early incarnation of pioneering death metal band, Possessed. In early 1983, Hammett left Exodus to join Metallica and was eventually replaced long term by guitarist Rick Hunolt.
Bonded By Blood and rise in popularity (1984–1991)
The band recorded their first album Bonded by Blood in the summer of 1984. Audio engineering college student Mark Whitaker, who had attended high school with Paul Baloff, oversaw management and record production for the band at the time. 1984 concert photos from Exodus shows at Aquatic Park’s Eastern Front Metal Festival (with Slayer and Suicidal Tendencies) and Ruthie’s Inn (with Megadeth and Slayer) were included on the album sleeve inserts. Originally titled “A Lesson In Violence”, the album was not released until April 1985 amidst creative and business setbacks. Shortly after touring for Bonded by Blood, Paul Baloff was fired from the band and replaced by Steve “Zetro” Souza, who had previously been the lead vocalist for Legacy, an early incarnation of Testament. Baloff went on to form the band Piranha.
Exodus’ line-up remained fairly stable for the next few albums, and the underground success attained with Bonded by Blood would lead to the group’s signing to Sony/Combat Records, who distributed the band’s second effort Pleasures of the Flesh in 1987. Fabulous Disaster, the group’s third full length album, was released in Europe in 1988 and in the US in 1989. A music video for the song “The Toxic Waltz” would receive consistent rotation on MTV’s Headbangers Ball in 1989.[5]
After the success of Fabulous Disaster, Exodus was signed to Capitol Records in early 1990, who released the band’s fourth album Impact is Imminent later that year. Prior to recording the album, Tom Hunting was replaced by John Tempesta on drums. In 1991, the band released their first live album, Good Friendly Violent Fun, which was recorded during their 1989 tour.
Check out my website for more cool music: Aaron Sparks
Check out my abstract graphics galleries: Aaron Sparks
Check out my links page for all things guitar related: Aaron Sparks
No comments:
Post a Comment