Exodus guitarist Gary Holt has revealed that the band recorded enough material during sessions for their upcoming album 'Goliath' to nearly finish a follow-up release. The thrash metal veterans spent two months in the studio, capturing 18 songs through an ongoing writing process. This approach marks their most collaborative effort to date, with the return of vocalist Rob Dukes after 16 years.
Exodus, a staple in the thrash metal scene for over four decades, is preparing to release their twelfth studio album, 'Goliath,' on March 20, 2026, via Napalm Records. Guitarist Gary Holt shared insights into the band's recording process during an interview with Appetite For Distortion, highlighting their unconventional method of keeping equipment set up for extended periods to allow continuous songwriting.
The band entered the studio with about five songs prepared but ended up recording 18 tracks over two months. Holt noted the significant contributions from guitarist Lee Altus, describing it as "the biggest collaborative effort we ever had." He emphasized that some of their strongest material emerged in the final week, stating, "We write some of our best stuff in the last week."
This productivity extended beyond 'Goliath,' as the sessions produced eight songs for a potential next album, falling just two short of completing it. Holt expressed enthusiasm for the material, saying, "I’m ready to play ’em live, and as far as the studio, I’m ready to create again." The guitarist attributed the accelerated pace to the band's advancing age, explaining, "We’re getting older. It would shorten the gap in between the albums substantially."
'Goliath' also signifies the return of vocalist Rob Dukes, his first studio album with Exodus since 'Exhibit B: The Human Condition' in 2010. The record features input from multiple band members and guests, underscoring its collaborative nature. Exodus has already previewed the album with the single "3111," the opening track that captures the session's creative energy.
This milestone release continues Exodus's legacy, promising shorter intervals between albums for fans.