Exodus

The Profile

Exodus are an American thrash metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, formed in 1980. They are widely associated with the early Bay Area thrash scene and are often noted for the presence of Kirk Hammett in their early lineup before he joined Metallica.

From the reviews: Exodus are described as a foundational/defining thrash band, formed in 1980, with early association to Kirk Hammett; key members cited include Gary Holt, Tom Hunting, Rick Hunolt, Paul Baloff, Steve "Zetro" Souza, and later Rob Dukes/Lee Altus/Jack Gibson/Paul Bostaph. Paul Baloff is repeatedly mentioned as having died in 2002.

Across 16 DeBaser reviews, Exodus are framed as a defining Bay Area thrash band—often underrated, sometimes chaotic, frequently brutal. The classics (especially Bonded by Blood) are repeatedly treated as genre landmarks tied to Paul Baloff and the Holt/Hunolt guitar pairing. The 2000s era gets major praise (Shovel Headed Kill Machine, Exhibit A/B, Tempo of the Damned), often crediting strong production and renewed songwriting. A minority view dismisses Let There Be Blood as largely unnecessary and/or inferior to the original.