Band: Exodus

Exodus was one of the pioneering acts of the early thrash phenomonon and their first three albums are still bona fide classics of the genre. With more exposure they could have easily sat alongside the Big Four, but the band was hampered early with the departure of Kirk Hammett to Metallica and by the time Bonded by Blood appeared the thrash scene had become swamped. Paul Baloff's departure after this album, that is easily as good as Metallica and Slayer's early records, kept Exodus from ascending beyond the second tier of the thrash movement although the next two follow-ups were just as good. The band reunited in the late 90s with Baloff back out front. Another album and further touring was planned but tragically Baloff died on February 2, 2002 after suffering a stroke three days earlier. Steve Souza rejoined Exodus a short time later but has since left again. The band's later work features a groove element and tracks of an epic length.