EXODUS – Goliath

American thrash metal bashers Exodus are back with their latest studio album, Goliath (2026). It is the follow-up to Persona Non Grata (2021) and the band’s first album to be released through Napalm Records. Thankfully, the fans didn’t have to wait seven years for another Exodus album, which is good for them because the band isn’t getting any younger. Goliath also marks the return of former lead vocalist Rob Dukes, whose last album with the band was Exhibit B: The Human Condition (2010). Other than that, the band lineup remains the same with Gary Holt on guitars, Lee Altus on guitars, Jack Gibson on bass guitar, and Tom Hunting on drums. Goliath was produced, mixed, and mastered by Mark Lewis.

Unapologetically Violent and Evil

Two words to describe the album would be catastrophically entertaining. Not sure how it compares to the rest of the band’s catalog, especially for those who are listening to Exodus for the first time. But it’s thrash metal with hints of doom and alternative metal; what else is there to say? The opening track, “3111,” starts off as a bone-crushing doom metal anthem before it turns into this ferocious and brutally nasty thrash metal insanity. The guitars are amped with heavy distortion throughout the album and the bass lines make their presence known without a warning. There is a radio edit version that is less than three minutes long, but it doesn’t do the song justice. “Hostis Humani Generis” is unapologetically evil and lacks any human conscience. Think of a revenge-fueled Korean drama with a villain that needs to go to Hell; “Hostis Humani Generis” is their theme song.

“The Changing Me” features a powerful vocal performance by Peter Tägtgren, best known as the founder of death metal band Hypocrisy and industrial metal band Pain. The lyrics tackle a touchy subject, in terms of mental health, emphasizing how one’s mind can create an enemy within themself. “Promise You This” is a lot of fun with its nasty groove, menacing bass line, and anthemic feel about never losing hope. It’s the song that represents the victim on the revenge-fueled Korean drama; the one who’s out for justice. The title track, which features violinist Katie Jacoby, sees the band return to their doom metal persona; the song highlights a villainous mastermind named Goliath who embodies the definition of hatred. “Violence Works” is the weirdest song on the album because it starts off with a disco-like keyboard melody before transitioning into a monstrous groove and it’s off to the races. Not the best message to promote, especially given the world’s political state, but the instrumentation is very good. Not sure if it was intentional, but the closing track, “The Dirtiest of the Dozen,” details Exodus’ life as a thrash metal band in five minutes. From the early days of begging and stealing to the latter days of keeping the brotherhood alive.

Final Assessment

Overall, Goliath is a solid thrash metal record with wicked guitar playing, disturbing bass lines, and screaming vocals. Little things like the heavy guitar distortion and having the bass guitar turned up in the mix really made a difference, in terms of the album’s production. As mentioned with “Violence Works,” the songs aren’t exactly family-friendly, but for headbanging and not giving a care in the world, they’re perfect! A small complaint would be that a couple of songs are too long, one of them being “Summon of the God Unknown.” For those who are interested, give Exodus’ Goliath a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. 3111
2. Hostis Humani Generis
3. The Changing Me (featuring Peter Tägtgren)
4. Promise You This
5. Goliath (featuring Katie Jacoby)
6. Beyond the Event Horizon
7. 2 Minutes Hate
8. Violence Works
9. Summon of the God Unknown
10. The Dirtiest of the Dozen

Band Lineup

Rob Dukes – lead vocals
Gary Holt – guitars
Lee Altus – guitars
Jack Gibson – bass guitar
Tom Hunting – drums

Check out the music video for the latest single, “Promise You This,” from Exodus’ Goliath!