Show Review: Exodus, Havok, and More at The Forge in Joliet, IL

November 18, 2024

One of 2024’s most underrated and sickest tours caps off the year in style with Exodus’s first headlining tour in years bringing along fellow thrashers in Dead Heat and Havok alongside metallic hardcore, Candy for a must-see event for metal fans. Often synonymous with the hardcore scene, Dead Heat are just as likely to play a gig with a band like Drain as they are to tour with Exodus. It’s this fusion of thrash and hardcore that make Dead Heat stand out as they riff and shred your face while simultaneously encouraging an intense, in-your-face live show. Coming off the back of their debut full-length and an EP released last year, Dead Heat are bringing their raw, yet also polished style of thrash to a city near you.

Due to Riot Fest being the same day, I missed Candy back in September, so thankfully they’re on this tour, as they’re one of the best metallic hardcore bands right now. Fresh off the release of their latest record It’s Inside You, Candy continue to level up their experimental, monstrous sound while exceeding all expectations. Candy are an incredibly refreshing band that is as surreal to experience live as they are to listen to on record. Even more surreal is their newfound ability to blend cyber/electronic sounds into their music with ease, akin to Bring Me the Horizon, all without abandoning their established style. A band that needs to be seen live, Candy should be at the top of everyone’s list to check out.

Credited with helping lead the thrash revival of the 2000s and mid-2010s, Havok bring a modern, more refined approach to the traditional ‘80s thrash sound filled with adrenaline-laced energy all while being a dominating well-oiled performance machine. Hitting the best parts and elements of what makes for a great thrash band, Havok took the already established blueprint making it more refined and pinpoint accurate. There’s just something about those sick riffs and sweeping rhythms that hit harder and with more precision than ever. Havok are what modern thrash acts should be aiming to achieve.

The hype and energy was immense by the time Bay Area thrash legends, Exodus, hit the stage so as soon as that first riff started the room was already spinning in a massive circle pit as the front row headbanged at the barricade. Pioneers of thrash, Exodus are considered to be cornerstone thrash juggernauts having both inspired and started off alongside other acts like Testament, Possessed, Death Angel, and Metallica, with the latter’s guitarist Kirk Hammett having been in Exodus for a period of time, not to mention Slayer’s Gary Holt also being in the band since 2001. With incredible, monumental releases like 85’s Bonded by Blood and ‘89’s Fabulous Disaster, these are often considered pivotal records for the era and still are regarded as foundational metal records today. It was their highly aggressive musical style and live shows in addition to their lyrical approach that really set Exodus apart from the rest.

Exodus’ rebellious, menacing, and fiery play and lyrical style was a high bar set in the ‘80s and is a mountain to attain by today’s standards. Just like their on-record sound, Exodus’ is as pristine and electrifying live. With memorable riffs, mosh-inducing craziness, and captivating showmanship, Exodus are masters at work who make sure you get every penny you paid for from their set. With a career-spanning set, Exodus doesn’t leave anything out recognizing why people come to see them, pure, 100% thrash. Similar to hardcore or punk, thrash is very much a genre of music that needs to be experienced live, making Exodus masters at their craft as every note is hit perfectly all while fueling the crowd’s intensity further. You can’t get any more authentic thrash than Exodus. Fierce, energetic, and intense, Exodus embodies the genre in every way possible.

Exodus