Thrash Metal legends EXODUS hailing from San Francisco were formed in 1979. Among their impressive discography are 12 full-length albums and six live albums. Album number 13 "Goliath" was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Mike Lewis (CARNIFEX; DEATH ANGEL; SIX FEET UNDER). It has a length of about 54 minutes, and it was released via Austrian Metal label Napalm Records. The album starts with thunderous guitar riffs and crushing basslines, providing an introduction to "3111". The melodies are spine-chilling during the intro. The transition to the main guitar riff is abrupt and the track develops into a classical Thrash Metal song with tight guitar riffs and a fast tempo. The vocals are harsh and range between the medium to higher end of the vocal range. While verse/chorus parts are fast, there is a mid-tempo break near the end of the track. "3111" does not follow traditional song textures, but it is a good opening track. "Hostis Humanis Generis" continues with the Thrash attack, but with more pace. The guitar riffing is devastating, tight at times, and with a bit of complexity. There are a few switches between fast and mid-tempo throughout the track. While the riffing has a certain complexity, the mid-tempo break is also not straightforward. There are two lead guitar solos, a very short one at the beginning, followed by a longer one. Both solos contribute to the track very well.

"The Changing Me" starts with a guitar-driven introduction and dark but catchy melodies. The intro is a bit lengthy as it takes some time to start with the verse part at mid-tempo. The chorus part slightly slows down and changes rhythm. Main features of the choruses are the dark, epic, and melancholic melodies, while the vocals deliver highly pitched notes. The guest vocals during the choruses are provided by Death Metal icon Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY; PAIN). The break offers an extended lead guitar solo, which is the highlight of the track. "The Changing Me" smartly combines traditional Thrash Metal with melodic Death Metal elements and is certainly one of the darker album songs. "Promise You This" also needs some introductory time with Heavy Metal inspired guitar riffs. It is a more straightforward track with direct guitar riffs at mid-tempo. The choruses are supported by backing vocals and the chorus lines are almost anthemic. At the heart of the track is an extended and cool lead guitar solo, which also has plenty of Heavy Metal vibes. The title track is introduced by strong basslines, which are accompanied by thunderous guitar riffs opening the verse part at measured tempo with an almost stomping rhythm. The melodies are grim, while the vocals use a lot of deeper notes with a few tonal shifts towards higher pitched screams. "Goliath" offers a change in sound with a bit more atmospheric, blood-freezing delivery. The break includes strings delivered by Katie Jacoby. "Goliath" was released as video, and the YouTube link is provided below.

"Beyond The Event Horizon" goes back to good old fast Thrash Metal. The guitar riffing is tight, direct, and aggressive, and the basslines are crushing. The verse parts are fast, while the chorus parts introduce twists and turns in tempo and rhythm as they eventually slow down to a measured tempo. There is an abrupt switch to crazy pace for the contributing lead guitar solo and another verse part. "2 Minutes Hate" opens with strong basslines and the main riff, leading into the verse part at mid-tempo. The guitar riffing is tight and direct in best Thrash Metal manner. The track is a head-banger and one for the pit. The break offers another cool lead guitar solo. A feature of the album is the lengthy introduction of most songs and "Violence Works" is no exception. It is a mid-tempo track with more playful guitar riffs accompanied by crunching basslines. Highlight of the track is the lead guitar solo, which has once again a lot of Heavy Metal vibes. Apart from that, "Violence Works" cannot quite keep up with most album tracks. "Summon Of The God Unknown" starts with powerful guitar riffs and strong basslines, leading into the verse part at measured tempo with a sluggish rhythm. The guitar riffs are punishing, and the melodies are chilling during the verse parts, while the bridges and choruses deliver more complexity in the riffing. The break increases pace to mid-tempo with tight guitar riffing. The extended lead guitar solo is once again second-to-none.

"Summon Of The God Unknown" is with almost eight minutes the longest album track. The album closes with "The Dirtiest Of The Dozen" and it has a fast start with the guitar-driven introduction. The main riff of the track is direct and aggressive, leading into the verse part at mid-tempo. The bridge offers a bit of backing vocal support, while the chorus part switches back to a fast tempo. The mid-tempo break is playful starting with a bass solo, followed by another extended lead guitar solo. The melodies during the break change the nature of the track a bit as they are dark and melancholic. Altogether, "The Dirtiest Of The Dozen" is a good way to end the album. EXODUS deliver a good new album. "Goliath" is not restricted to classical Thrash Metal; it includes different genre elements and vibes. One of the main album messages is that Rob Dukes is back and he is back with a lot of power and force. At the heart of the album is the EXODUS guitar engine and both, Gary Holt and Lee Altus, deliver excellence. On the downside of the album are the often-lengthy introductions and in my opinion, many songs could have been trimmed a bit. The album is well produced. "Goliath" is a first Thrash Metal highlight of the year, and EXODUS fans can be excited for the upcoming live tours.