CONCERT REVIEW: BAY AREA THRASHERS ‘EXODUS’ INVADE TORONTO

CONCERT REVIEW: BAY AREA THRASHERS ‘EXODUS’ INVADE TORONTO

4 min read

Thrash metal legends Exodus unleashed their ferocious "The Battle Of '24" tour onto Toronto’s Phoenix Concert Theatre on November 19th.

Lead guitarist, Gary Holt commented: "EXODUS are super stoked to announce 'The Battle Of '24' tour.

This tour will be raging, and this is our first headlining tour in many years, so we're excited to dig out some deep cuts as well as play some more songs off of 'Persona Non Grata'. Let the battle begin!"

Thrash metalheads, Havok awakened the crowd with their classic old school sound and security got their hands full during their almost hour long set with crowd surfers coming at them. David Sanchez’s voice along with the guitar riffs of Brett Rechtfertig and the crazy drums beats of Pete Webber who is also the drummer for Fear Factory were killer.

The band had their guitar tech/tour manager, Kaden Hunsacker fill in for bass and it was meant to be as their sound remained unaffected and blew us away. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Taita Vlakoff

Havok played a mix of their hits such as Point Of No Return and one of my favourites, Prepare For Attack. Their latest EP, New Eyes released via Afterburner Recordings is highly rated and they graced our ears by playing Death Is An Illusion and title track, New Eyes.

If you are a lover thrash, I highly recommend you give Havok a listen and go see them live at a city near you. You won’t be disappointed! 

HAVOK ARE

David Sanchez – lead vocals, rhythm guitar

Pete Webber – drums

Brett Rechtfertig – guitar

Kaden Hunsacker – fill in bass

PHOTO CREDIT: Taita Vlakoff

Steve Souza is one phenomenal front man even after four decades. He kept the screaming fans entertained with comedic routines i.e the age old rivalry between Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens which was met with the loud ‘boos’ from every single Torontonian at the venue including myself.

He also made sure to fist pump every crowd surfer caught by the only two security guards on duty and gave them a shoutout for the hard work and making sure everyone was safe.

Steve’s boisterous stage presence paired with Gary Holt’s and Lee Altus’ electric guitar riffs, Jack Gibson’s groovy bass and not to forget, Tom Hunting behind the drums playing those headbanging beats makes Exodus what it is and why they have been masters of their craft for so long. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Taita Vlakoff

The band played well over 1.5 hours playing hits from their 40+ year career such as The Last Act Of DefianceBlacklist and The Toxic Waltz.

Unfortunately, we only got to hear one song of their latest album, Persona Non Grata released via Nuclear Blast Records which was The Beatings Will Continue but rest assured, Exodus will be back next year with another thrash filled tour!

If you missed them this time around, make sure to stay updated for the next. 

EXODUS ARE

Steve "Zetro" Souza – lead vocals

Tom Hunting – drums 

Gary Holt – guitars, backing vocals

Lee Altus – guitars, backing vocals 

Jack Gibson – bass

REVIEW by Afrida Nawar

Girl At The Metal Show
A music blog with concert coverage of photos various rock and metal music bands in and around Toronto.