Exodus
Pleasures Of The Flesh

THE REVIEW

One of the most important thrash groups that haven't achieved significant economic success is undoubtedly the American band Exodus. Their second album, "Pleasures Of The Flesh" from 1987, marks the arrival of singer "Zetro" Souza (formerly of Legacy, future Testament), with whom the founder and guitarist Gary Holt would have a tumultuous relationship. In my opinion, it is a very interesting album, unjustly underrated by both the public and critics: let's see why. First of all, upon giving it a general listen, it's noticeable that alongside the usual, grand, aggressive, and straightforward assault tracks—I'm referring to the opener "Deranged" and "Faster Than You'll Ever Live To Be"—there are tracks that are slightly more melodic, evocative, thoughtful, and less breakneck: such is the case with "Chemi-Kill" and the title track, lasting seven and a half minutes, decidedly unusual for Exodus and many thrash groups in general. This stylistic change, nothing radical of course, underscores according to me a greater introspection and inner reflection on themes dear to Thrash, such as human vices, oppression—be it more or less hidden—and the self-destruction of humanity; the song "Pleasures Of The Flesh" moves precisely between the first and partly the third topic. In these songs there is an interesting intertwining of decidedly aggressive and compact riffs, typically thrash, with slower and more melodic guitar passages, the result is quite appreciable but not excellent, probably because "calmness" doesn't suit Exodus at all, but far be it from me to throw it away like used toilet paper! The guitar lines, however, in the more "canonical" tracks are fast, delicious, and gory, with quick and incisive solos. Souza's voice is incredibly similar to Udo Dirkschneider (spelling?), and consequently also to Brian Johnson of AC/DC: excellent! I truly wouldn't know who to choose as the ideal voice for Exodus, whether the psychotic Baloff or Souza. The drums are fast, heavy, explosive, and also perform well in the more slowed-down parts (however, on my version of the album, they're not heard well, probably due to the quality I imagine); the bass does its job, nothing exceptional. I conclude by pointing out among the best tracks "Deranged", "Brain-Dead", and "Pleasures Of The Flesh", the only one that doesn't say anything to me—besides the useless "30 Seconds", 30 seconds of classical guitar without apparent reason—is "Parasite".

In short, not the best album from our guys, but undoubtedly 46 minutes—minus 30 seconds—of good Thrash well worth listening to.