All Photos By Lisa Holt Photography
Legends and pioneers of the thrash metal genre, EXODUS celebrated 40 years of their debut album Bonded By Blood this last weekend. Two special performances at two venues, with specially chosen supporting acts representing the Bay Area Thrash Metal history. The bands chosen were all playing the same clubs at the time of the conception of the genre in the early 1980s. The shows commemorated original member, Paul Baloff, as it would have been his 65th birthday.
The band performed Bonded By Blood in its entirety. The lineup featured a change with the return of former vocalist Rob Dukes after a 10-year hiatus with the band. The performance was live-streamed as both shows were sold out immediately.
Fans from all over the globe could watch this exclusive event. The other acts were BLND ILLUSION, DEATH ANGEL, NUKEM, and HIRAX. Special guests included former EXODUS guitarist Rick Hunolt and former bass player Jeff Andrews. Emotions and nostalgia filled the room as Bay Area thrashers of all ages witnessed a very special performance. There was exclusive merchandise, special guests, and a very special evening.
Starting off the evening at the UC Theatre in Berkeley was the San Diego Thrash band NUKEM. What a perfect addition to this show. NUKEM delivered a tough-as-nails performance led by guitarist and vocalist Steve Brogden, an up-and-coming thrash metal guitar player. Obviously, this band has paid its dues, and it's time to collect! The merchandise line was tremendous, yet people left it to see NUKEM instead. The infectious shredding and guttural vocals rang throughout the venue with force and demanded the attention they deserved. What a perfect band for this insane celebration.
Next up is Bay Area Thrash Legends, BLIND ILLUSION. Led by Original member Mark Biedermann, who has been a part of the Bay Area's Thrash Metal scene since its inception, they were joined by vocalist and a founding member David White, who hasn't performed with BLIND ILLUSION for over 20 years. They played all the classics from their full-length albums and EPs that span their discography. The crowd surfing at this point was non-stop and the venue was wall-to-wall people, standing room only by this time - another perfect choice for this Thrash Metal mayhem.
The mighty, legendary DEATH ANGELl is the direct supporter of this event. Lead vocalist Mark Osegueda and the guys always give it their all when they get on stage. Tonight was no different, dueling guitars and the hardest hitting drummer in metal held up their end of the deal to thrash this evening. DEATH ANGEL curated a set list that spans their eras as the leading metal band they are; San Francisco should be proud of this band representing their city worldwide! The insanity ensued as the next band that played this celebratory dual show (only in Anaheim House Of Blues) was Los Angeles Metal Masters HIRAX.
Led By Katon W. De Pena this band started in 1984 and are major players in the Thrash Metal scene. There isnt a 'Battle Vest' without a HIRAX patch on it. Going strong since the early 80's this band is a hard hitting ensemble that seems to never tire of thrashing, and HIRAX appears to have a huge young person following. They represent Southern Californians' thrash metal scene, but we have always accepted HIRAX as a Bay Area Band. All these bands are bands I grew up with as a teenager; these were all the bands we would see, and HIRAX was there in the lineups, so naturally they had to be chosen for this special event. Katon and the guys always give fantastic performances.
Finally, we come to the main event. EXODUS is up next, ready to perform their groundbreaking debut album, Bonded By Blood, in its entirety on the birthday of former member Paul Baloff, as today would have been his 65th birthday. Forty years of blood, sweat, and thrash are about to explode over every thrash fan in attendance. Tonight is also special, as EXODUS brings former vocalist Rob Dukes back to the band following a 10-year hiatus. The light is dim, and only a track is heard. It is a voice I recognize, it's Paul Baloff. A reel of Baloff commentary that was recorded decades ago is playing over the system, then the blast of sound and "Bonded By Blood" ring out, blowing hair back and sending the whole venue into a unison frenzy of crowd surfing and thrashing. The fury of guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Altus is legendary. There is no surprise about the set list as it is the whole album front to back. Songs like "And Then There Were None" get the whole venue in a sing-along, and the bodies keep flying over heads as these powerhouses welcome special guests, former guitarist Rick Hunolt and the "H -Team" are once again together onstage. EXODUS also welcomes back origional member and bassist Jeff Andrews to the stage. The faces of the band tell me everything I need to know: this event is a success, the fans are in a fever pitch over seeing these band members perform together and hearing these songs played live.
EXODUS is Thrash Metal royalty, and there is good reason for that; they are the heaviest band of all time with members all pushing 60 or over 60, which is impossible to tell on this evening. EXODUS, keeping the spirit of heavy metal alive for the new up-and-coming, young thrash metal bands, is impressive. This evening was attended by Bay Area long-time thrash musicians and fans alike. The camaraderie and metal family vibes were all present at both performances. EXODUS ended the evening with fervor and a brutal assault of metal. I have never seen the merch lines so long, the venue so packed, and two shows that sold out faster than a month ahead of time. This, to me, is a great tour idea for the future. Maybe we will get a chance to witness this again. Until then, EXODUS began their North American tour following these two shows; the metal assault is never-ending for these bands. Let's all hope for another celebration show, if not, we have the memories of this one that will last with me forever.
Check out some more photos from the shows!
All Photos By Lisa Holt Photography
