REVIEW: Exodus - Goliath

Thrash metal is all about ferocity.  The speed and technicality that is required to play this subgenre of alternative music is what makes it stand out. Seeing as how thrash metal was one of the first types of heavy music, it is no surprise to see that some, if not most classic bands are still around today, four and a half decades after its inception. This year, the legendary EXODUS mark their 41^st anniversary as a a band. Not only is 2026 looking to be a huge year for them as they are set to tour with bands such as KREATOR and SEPULTURA, but this year also marks the release of Goliath, which is set to not only be one of the best thrash metal albums of the year, but also within the EXODUS discography.

Hostis Humani Generis is the second track on the album and it is the first highlight. The track starts off relentless with a barrage of drum fills and in-your-face riffs that are sure to catch you off guard at first. The main riff continues into the first verse under the vocals. This is the first chorus that is catchy. It is yelled, in classic thrash metal fashion, but the lyrics are memorable and the guitar melodies underneath make it unforgettable. This is a patter in the first half of Goliath. There are two guitar solos here that are connected by a small bridge. The first one is short, yet effective, but it is the second solo which is the technical one which thrash metal listeners would come to expect, especially from geniuses such as GARY HOLT and LEE ALTUS.

The track that follows kicks off with a riff that is as epic as it is bizarre. It is melodic one second and the next it is overwhelmingly heavy. This leads into a gorgeous build up with some incredible guitar harmonies before a different, heavier riff kicks. This leads into the introduction of the first verse. The chorus here features vocal layering combining clean vocals with the iconic ROB DUKES belts, and once the second chorus hits, the listener is fully invested in this track. The solo section on this track is much more traditional. The guitar solo begins right after the second hook and is elevated once again due to the harmonizing guitars, as well as the return of the incredible opening riff. That is when the chorus returns for the last time. The Changing Me ends with a much heavier version of the opening riff as the music and vocals fade out to the words of the song title. 

Promise You This is another must listen song. The main riff has a similar concept to the one in The Changing Me, but this one is much more violent, and as a result, the first verse is rowdier. The chorus, as a result, is much catchier than expected, and has a very old school melodic thrash metal sound, which contrasts the intensity of the verses. This first chorus is followed by a guitar solo which gets progressively more technical the more it develops and progresses. With the end of the solo, an epic drum fills returns the listener into a new verse, the second one of the track.  A unusual song structural touch which helps it stand out. As expected though, after this second verse, the irresistible chorus returns for a last time.  

Violence Works is another song that has another incredibly unique riff to kick it off. This riff gets translated to a much more brutal version in the first verse, before it gets slightly adapted in the chorus, which is accompanied by one of the most impressive vocal performances on Goliath. A groovy bridge follows this before the guitar solo kicks in. Once again, this is a technical masterclass from HOLT who also is a standout throughout this entire record. Another small bridge follows the solo before the second verse which ultimately segues into the chorus to wrap the song up. 

The following song is by far the longest on this album. At just under eight minutes long, it has a lot to prove, as it does not start off fast. Instead, the band focus on a more groove based, ambiental opening three and a half minutes. After the second chorus, the main riff is sped up. This leads towards a more melodic, speedy first bridge which introduces the incredible guitar solo. It is fast, melodic and extremely, extremely virtuosic in sound. The solo ultimately leads into a final vocal section which is one of the easier sections to listen to due to how raw the clean vocals are,  before slowing down once more to conclude the same way it begun. 

Overall, this is an album that is both exceptionally technical and musically. For the most part these songs are performed to an exceptionally high standard. The solos are almost always the perfect combination of technique and melody without being too long, and most of the choruses are memorable. Where the album slightly lacks is in how the bass is portrayed. It seems as if the bass is in the background for most of Goliath without getting too much of a chance to shine as opposed to the other instruments and the vocals. 

For a band that is so decorated and influential in the thrash metal scene to release something of this calibre is a testament to the musicianship and passion that exudes from this accomplished and experienced five-piece. With the release of Goliath, and with just over four decades now behind them, EXODUS have proven that they can still thrash around with the very best, and may continue to do so for another four decades. 

Score: 9/10

Goliath will be released on 20th March 2026 via Napalm Records,

Words: Itay Gilad

Photos: Jim Louvau