Few bands in thrash metal have built an identity as distinctive as Exodus. Across different lineups and eras, they’ve rarely been afraid to expand their palette without losing the core elements that define their sound. “Goliath” follows that same philosophy, and should be judged beyond familiar names or inevitable comparisons. Its strongest qualities appear early. The production carries personality without relying on nostalgia, guitars retain their character, and the bass adds drive throughout. Even slower, heavier passages work in the album’s favor, building atmosphere through convincing grooves rather than simply easing the pace. Sonically, the record presents a cohesive aesthetic. The first reservation comes with Rob Dukes’ performance. This has little to do with the long-standing vocalist debate. Dukes has already shown he can bring conviction and intensity to Exodus’ music. Here, however, his delivery rarely pushes the material beyond the notes themselves, leaving several songs without the extra spark they need. The bigger issue lies in songwriting. Speed is not the problem, nor experimentation. There are plenty of fast passages, but too many riffs pass without leaving a lasting impression, while some aggressive sections feel obligatory rather than inspired. Exodus remain exceptional musicians, yet technical precision cannot replace memorable songwriting and intriguing inspiration. That applies to the more adventurous moments. The title track explores a heavy, darker, almost doom-oriented atmosphere (and a debatable electric violin appearance), while “Promise You This” introduces a hard rock flavor that may divide listeners but stands among the more memorable cuts thanks to its swinging groove and identity. “The Changing Me” shows how experimentation can be less convincing when ideas don’t fully serve the song, making it feel slightly forced to differ. Ultimately, “Goliath” feels uneven rather than cohesive. Strong moments are not in short supply, yet they rarely come together with consistency expected from Exodus’ stature. Appreciating trademarks is one thing, accepting them as a substitute for inspiration is another. Exodus have proven they’re capable of more, and that’s why this record falls short of their established standard. Hopefully, their next release reminds us how high that standard can be.
♦ 6,5/10
Tasos Bouhoutsos
