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EXODUS On The 2024 Headbangers Boat With Photos!

By Lisa Holt, Photographer/Rocker Wife
Thursday, November 7, 2024 @ 10:36 AM

Band Currently Invading North America

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All Photos By Lisa Holt Photography

I was fortunate enough to join Bay Area Thrash Metal legends, EXODUS on the "Headbangers Cruise" and also segueing to the very first night of EXODUS' "North American Disaster" Tour which began in Tampa November 2nd and ends in Los Angeles December 7th. This is EXODUS' first headlining tour in ages and fans have been waiting patiently for this tour. Tagging along for "The Battle of 24" are HAVOK, CANDY and DEAD HEAT, all amazing American Thrash Metal Bands.

Heavy Metal Hijinks commenced on the second annual "Headbangers Cruise". The cruise set sail in Miami to the Dominican Republic and back, a floating Metal Festival on the high seas! I was lucky enough to photograph EXODUS on the pool deck as the boat set sail to the Dominican Republic for 5 days of Metal Mayhem. This multi-day journey of nonstop Metal is a treat for fans and artists alike. A floating festival of headbanging is in order, so let's get into it.

EXODUS brought their signature Thrash intensity to the high seas, with a set list that spans their 40 year career. Iconic tracks like "Bonded By Blood", "The Toxic Waltz" and "Strike Of The Beast" were masterfully played and the set scene was electrifying. EXODUS' raw energy and passion for music, metal and mayhem was on full display. EXODUS' maniacal front man Steve "Zetro" Souza was on fire as usual engaging with the audience as much as he couldthroughout the full set. His energy and passion for his craft is second to none. Guitarist Gary Holt, also Known as"The Godfather of Thrash Metal", was amazing with his technically precise guitar playing. Holt never disappoints with his foundational riffing and face melting solos. Revered as one thrash metals most skilled and razor sharp soloists, Holt didn't disappoint. It was brutal and impressive.

Bass player Jack Gibson is a thunderous bass player, no pick for Jack, he lets his fingers do the talking. One of thrash metal's greatest bass players, his innovative techniques and unique tone set the rhythm for EXODUS' masterful low end. Drummer extraordinaire, Tom Hunting, recently beating the tar out of cancer, is back with vengeance, his fervor for hitting those drums so hard are back in full swing. His fast, precise double bass patterns are the driving force behind EXODUS. What a powerhouse!

EXODUS played a lengthy set list of all the favorites they even threw in some deep cuts like "Iconoclasm" and "Body Harvest", a brutal song written by EXODUS' second shredder Lee Altus. Altus also has the passion for engaging with the fans. His guitar solos are slick, dynamic and melodic at the same time. The dual guitar playing from Holt and Altus maintain the sound of the heaviest band around. Altus' contributions to EXODUS have been integral in shaping the sound of EXODUS over the years. I commend EXODUS for the brutal onslaught of the high seas this evening.

I was told that their long hair wrapped around the microphones and the wind was so intense that they almost blew over. They gave it their all like they always do for their fans, 40 years and these metal masters are still melting faces off with metal. I wouldn't miss this tour.

Be on the look out for EXODUS' album release in 2025, and catch this tour. These guys give it their all onstage and its super impressive. EXODUS has fans from the 80's and new young fans that are the future of Heavy Metal, something that is important to the guys. At the end of every set they bring up a young metalhead from the crowd and Altus and Holt place their guitars in the hands of young fans for a jam session. It's amazing to watch and such a testament to the support and longevity of Heavy Metal. EXODUS means business and gives it to everyone that sees their performances. Long Live Thrash Metal and long live EXODUS!

Check out some more photos from the show!
All Photos By Lisa Holt Photography

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