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Exodus (band)

Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in Richmond, California, in 1979.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in Richmond, California, in 1979. They are widely regarded as pioneers of the Bay Area thrash metal scene and are known for albums such as *Bonded by Blood* and *Fabulous Disaster*.

History

Exodus formed in the late 1970s and developed during the rise of thrash metal in Northern California. Their early lineup included Kirk Hammett and Tom Hunting, and the band later became strongly associated with Gary Holt.

Musical style and influence

Exodus is a thrash metal band known for fast tempos, aggressive guitar work, and a sound tied to the Bay Area scene. They are frequently described as one of the genre’s pioneering acts.

Discography

The band’s best-known early work includes *Bonded by Blood*, *Pleasures of the Flesh*, and *Fabulous Disaster*. Later releases continued their long-running presence in thrash metal.

Lineup changes

Exodus has undergone many personnel changes over its history. Kirk Hammett left early in the band’s career, while Gary Holt became a central long-term member.

Key facts

  • The band formed in 1979 in Richmond, California.
  • Exodus is associated with the early Bay Area thrash metal scene.
  • Kirk Hammett was an early member before leaving to join Metallica.
  • The band's debut studio album, *Bonded by Blood*, was released in 1985.
  • Exodus has had numerous lineup changes and intermittent breaks in activity.
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Canadian context

Exodus has toured and influenced Canadian thrash metal listeners and bands as part of the wider North American metal scene, but the band has no especially Canada-specific association in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

When was Exodus formed?
Exodus was formed in 1979 in Richmond, California.
What genre is Exodus?
Exodus is a thrash metal band.
Who founded Exodus?
Sources identify early founders including Tom Hunting and Kirk Hammett, with Tim Agnello and Keith Stewart also listed among the original members.
What is Exodus best known for?
The band is best known as a pioneer of Bay Area thrash metal and for albums such as *Bonded by Blood*.
Did Kirk Hammett play in Exodus?
Yes. Kirk Hammett was an original member of Exodus before leaving to join Metallica.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exodus_(band)
    Supports: Formation year, early members, and band history.
  2. Nuclear Blast — https://www.nuclearblast.com/pages/exodus
    Supports: Band origin story, founding members, Bay Area thrash role, and Kirk Hammett's departure.
  3. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exodus_(groupe)
    Supports: Genre, origin, album count, and status as a thrash metal pioneer.
  4. ExodusAttack.com — https://exodusattack.com/site/bio/
    Supports: Debut album date, recent releases, and long-running career framing.
  5. Heavy Blog Is Heavy — https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2019/01/29/into-the-pit-exodus-the-historians-big-5-band/
    Supports: Bay Area thrash context, early lineup changes, and Bonded by Blood significance.