Bay Area thrash legends EXODUS continue building anticipation for "Goliath," their thirteenth studio album, arriving March 20 via Napalm Records — a label partnership that itself signals a new era for the band. The album marks vocalist Rob Dukes' first studio recording with the band since 2010's "Exhibit B: The Human Condition," completing a full-circle return that few saw coming when Steve "Zetro" Souza departed once again.
The creative process behind "Goliath" has been described as the most collaborative in EXODUS history. Guitarist Gary Holt, the band's driving creative force since 1981, shared songwriting duties extensively with co-guitarist Lee Altus, who contributed four compositions. Lyrics were penned collectively by Holt, Dukes, Altus, and drummer Tom Hunting, giving the album a band-centric feel that distinguishes it from previous efforts. The self-produced record breaks another long-standing tradition: it is the first EXODUS album in over three decades not to be mixed by Andy Sneap, with Mark Lewis handling mixing and mastering duties instead.
The album features several notable guest appearances that expand its sonic palette. The title track includes a guest violin contribution from Katie Jacoby, adding an unexpected orchestral dimension to the thrash onslaught. Meanwhile, Peter Tagtgren of HYPOCRISY appears on "The Changing Me," lending his distinctive vocal presence to one of the album's more experimental tracks. These collaborations speak to a band willing to push boundaries even in their fifth decade.
Holt has described "Goliath" as capturing the band's revitalized energy, crediting the chemistry with Dukes and an intensive writing period that saw the band stockpile over 20 songs before selecting the strongest ten. EXODUS will support the album with extensive touring, starting with dates alongside MEGADETH and ANTHRAX in Canada, followed by a European run with KREATOR, CARCASS, and NAILS, and a North American farewell tour co-headlining with SEPULTURA.