Exodus was founded by guitarist Kirk Hammett, who would later go on to join the legendary heavy metal band Metallica. The band's early lineup also included vocalist Paul Baloff, drummer Tom Hunting, and guitarist Gary Holt. Exodus quickly became known for their energetic live performances and their ferocious thrash metal sound. In 1985, the band released their debut album, "Bonded by Blood," which is widely considered a classic in the thrash metal genre. The album's aggressive and unrelenting sound, combined with its politically charged lyrics, struck a chord with metal fans around the world.
Over the years, Exodus has undergone several lineup changes, with Holt being the only remaining original member. The band had particular success in the 1980s. Their first three albums Bonded by Blood, Pleasures of the Flesh and Fabulous Disaster, cemented Exodus' reputation as one of the successful thrash metal bands. The critical praise given to Fabulous Disaster garnered attention from major labels, including Music For Natio Records
Exodus has been highly influential in the heavy metal community, inspiring countless other bands to adopt their sound and style. The band's uncompromising attitude and rebellious spirit have earned them a loyal following among metal fans. In addition, Exodus has collaborated with other prominent metal bands, such as Slayer and Testament, further cementing their place in the metal pantheon.
Beyond their musical contributions, Exodus has also been involved in various charitable and humanitarian causes. In 2005, the band organized a benefit concert to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. In 2014, they donated a portion of the proceeds from their album "Blood In, Blood Out" to the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that supports wounded veterans.
