Goliath

Bay Area Thrash legends EXODUS unleash Goliath, marking the triumphant return of Rob Dukes
Top-charting originators of thrash EXODUS have emerged hungrier than ever in 2026. Resurging at full force with their 12th studio album and Napalm Records debut, Goliath (out March 20, 2026), the band reinforces their eternal foothold at the top of thrash metal's hierarchy with 10 of their most diverse, anthemic emissions to date. Further fueled by the widely embraced return of iconic late-era frontman Rob Dukes – first appearing on 2005’s Shovel Headed Kill Machine – the album boasts what the band describes as the performance of his life. Goliath is EXODUS’ most collaborative record in their four decade-plus history, featuring songs written by several band members and guest contributions from Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) and violinist Katie Jacoby.
Goliath wastes no time proving as massive as its name, with a sinister introduction opening “3111” that strikes dissonant chords before careening into breakneck thrash intensity. Ode to owning one’s own volatility “Hostis Humani Generis” features a palpable lyrical delivery from Rob Dukes that cuts like crystal amid frenetic riffs, before rolling into “The Changing Me”. The track’s introductory notes cascade into hair-raising rhythms, forming one of the band’s most anthemic offerings – blending menace and melody with the cleans of guest Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain) together with Tom Hunting and at the end both Peter and Rob scream off the song. Harmonic dual axe acrobatics from resident guitar legends Gary Holt and Lee Altus. “Promise You This” incites mosh pit treachery with explosive energy, cyclonic riffs and turbocharged soloing from Holt, prior to colossal title track “Goliath” simmering the tempo down with winding, malevolent leads, towering drums and ominous string work from Katie Jacoby coupling with intricate guitars. The album standout showcases the band’s ever-increasingly dynamic approach, even decades into their historic reign. Tracks like “Beyond The Event Horizon” and “2 Minutes Hate” provide EXODUS’ trademark deadly dose of thrash theatricality – the latter boasting one of the album’s most grimacing, grooving pit primers – while undeniably 90s-tinged metallic charm attacks alongside drummer Tom Hunting and bassist Jack Gibson’s unmistakable rhythmic rage on tracks like “Violence Works”. The nearly eight-minute epic “Summon Of The God Unknown” turns the danger dial to max capacity, setting the stage with a wicked introductory passage before traversing a variegated passage of trudging riffs and heavy metal melody. Power packed closer “The Dirtiest Of The Dozen” ...