Review: EXODUS - Persona Non Grata

 

EXODUS - Persona Non Grata

Nuclear Blast

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Vintage band Exodus with fresh vocals via Steve "Zetro" Souza and guitar by Gary Holt takes me back to the 'Impact Is Imminent' days. Though it's 21st Century work from the band there's still somewhat of an old school vibe.  It must be Gary and Steve, that's who stands out the most for me on this killer release.  Overall though, it was decidedly so that this is an excellent effort!  Interesting sounding riffs taken back to the old days when years seemed to stand still.  A little off-shoot from Death lyrics there but that's how I feel with this album.  Like they're back and packing a punch still kicking ass like they haven't aged.

"Slipping Into Madness" is a good track I can relate to but most of the songs are solid riff writing here is top notch!  The aura of the album has a tinge of the old school vibe but definitely 21st century Exodus.  Zetro has put forth invigorating vocals that suits the music perfectly.  The leads are top notch too, some a little sloppy but not much.  Mostly the rhythms kick ass..  That's what resonates with me.  The overall sound is in your face Exodus with not much a bit of anything else. I like the sound quality a lot.  And some of the acoustic guitar melodies.  Mostly this album is pretty heavy from a thrash metal stand point.

They did a good job with the mixing and getting the guitars up there in priceless justice.  So, in effect the production was superb.  The instruments were all in astoundingly great submission.  These guys have been around for over 30 years and they did great in these turbulent times (Covid-19) maybe touring in 2022 as a part of the Big 4.  The Bay Area thrashers need to unite with others featuring Metallica, Death Angel and Megadeth (and other bands such as Anthrax & Testament).  So many great bands like Exodus are still around, Slayer cashed in after about 35 years but it was just their time.

I downloaded this one first and liked it so much that I bought the CD.  Doesn't mean that you have to do the same, but I collect CD's still.  So yeah, it was worth paying money out of my pocket to support the band.  There are so many highlights on this album a small review isn't enough to appreciate what they've done with this release.  They have shown that they're not going to leave the scene especially during hard times not being able to tour.  That hasn't stopped them from making great music hitting those creative juices and putting forth one helluv a good album here.  Check it out thrashers, it won't disappoint!

Ryan “Death8699” Fanucchi