{"id":54,"date":"2011-12-26T02:00:58","date_gmt":"2011-12-26T10:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/blog\/?p=54"},"modified":"2011-12-26T02:00:58","modified_gmt":"2011-12-26T10:00:58","slug":"exodus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/concert-reviews\/54\/exodus\/","title":{"rendered":"Exodus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- Facebook Like Button v1.9.6 BEGIN [https:\/\/blog.bottomlessinc.com] -->\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.moussavianlaw.com%2Fconcerts-interviews%2Fconcert-reviews%2F54%2Fexodus%2F&amp;layout=standard&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=450&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowTransparency=\"true\" style=\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height: 30px; align: left; margin: 2px 0px 2px 0px\"><\/iframe>\n<!-- Facebook Like Button END -->\n<p>Concert Review: Exodus<br \/>\n(San Francisco, CA, Slim&#8217;s, 12-06-10)<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday, June 12, 2010 Exodus played a record release show at Slim\u2019s nightclub. Exodus played a 16 song, 110 minute set from 10:51 to 12:41.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Arash w\/ Gary Holt (left)\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus1.jpg\" alt=\"Arash w\/ Gary Holt (left)\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>1. Ballad of Leonard and Charles (Exhibit B: The Human Condition record, 2010) began with a tape track for the 60 second introduction. Approximately the first 30 seconds of the introduction (approximations presumed throughout) solely featured an acoustic guitar while the second half was augmented by keyboards. The band walked on stage and Gary Holt (\u201cGH,\u201d guitarist) and Lee Altus (\u201cLA,\u201d guitarist) played pummeling mid tempo guitar riffs also featured during the last 50 seconds of Bedlam 123 off The Atrocity Exhibition \u2026 Exhibit A record (2007). GH played a smoldering series of short, high guitar notes during the second half of the riff rampage. The band stopped playing for one second followed by GH and LA\u2019s chugging high tempo guitar riffs augmented by Tom Hunting\u2019s (\u201cTH\u2019s,\u201d drummer) thundering drumming and Jack Gibson\u2019s (\u201cJG\u2019s,\u201d bassist) solid driving bass lines. Rob Dukes (\u201cRD,\u201d vocalist) screamed the first verse and chorus with ferocity. During the first chorus TH smashed his Paiste cymbals, and RD screamed the final word, \u201cVioleeeeeeeence.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Exodus\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus2.jpg\" alt=\"Exodus\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The second verse was preceded by a seven second interlude that featured GH and LA\u2019s chugging riffs. After the second chorus the band engaged in a 30 second jam session that highlighted TH\u2019s drumming with prominent use of his cymbals. TH wore knee length, camouflage grey, cotton shorts, black Sik World (merchandising brand) muscle shirt with the \u201cSik World\u201d logo in red letters on his chest. TH played a grey to black fade Yamaha drum kit featuring silver speckles and double bass drums. The third verse contained a vocal exchange between GH and RD. GH sang the introductory word of the odd numbered verse lines (e.g., \u201cFear &#8211; A macabre madness. Fiendish carnage with rabid butchery.\u201d), whereby he chanted the following words throughout the third verse, \u201cFear, pain, rape, slave, sado, sick, lie, kill, death.\u201d [Apropos words to comprise a Hallmark greeting card.] LA and GH then traded guitar solos for 60 seconds followed by RD singing the third verse and chorus. The song concluded with feedback from GH and LA\u2019s guitars that led straight into Beyond the Pale.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Gary Holt\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus3.jpg\" alt=\"Gary Holt\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>2. Beyond the Pale (Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 2010) is an up tempo thrasher that began with TH\u2019s thundering drumming and GH and LA\u2019s chugging guitar riffs during which GH briefly played lingering guitar notes for a few seconds before resuming riffing. RD sang the first verse and pre chorus. Between the first pre chorus and second verse GH and LA played chugging guitar riffs for 20 seconds that ended with a series of complicated TH drum fills. The second verse contained poignant lyrics, \u201cTake the gun. Take the knife. Take the pain. Then take the life. My taste for homicide &#8230; is rising up and amplified. Bloody deeds, my only friend \u2026 with me \u2018til the bitter end. Together we are one. And our work has just begun.\u201d RD then sang the second pre chorus and first chorus. The band jammed for 35 seconds followed by GH\u2019s 40 second guitar solo. GH wore black combat boots, black jean pants, black Sik World t-shirt with \u201cSik World\u201d and a pentagram in red letters on his chest, and black sweatbands on his forearms. GH played a white B.C. Rich flying V guitar with pearl trim. The band jammed for 70 seconds after which RD sang the third verse, third pre chorus, and second chorus. The song came to a raucous conclusion with LA\u2019s 50 second guitar solo.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Rob Dukes\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus4.jpg\" alt=\"Rob Dukes\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>3. Iconoclasm (The Atrocity Exhibition \u2026 Exhibit A, 2007). Before Iconoclasm RD commented on how some of the audience members in the mosh pit were engaging in \u201cold school moshing,\u201d including \u201cone dude who was stepping on people\u2019s heads.\u201d RD wore black Vans high top shoes with white trim, knee length, black, cotton shorts with a red \u201cExodus\u201d logo printed on the left leg, and black t shirt bearing a large caricature of the head of a figure wearing a gas mask on the back of which read in white letters, \u201cThe truth can be oppressed for only so long.\u201d [RD bears a slight resemblance to George \u201cSpanky\u201d McFarland, American child actor in \u201cThe Little Rascals (a.k.a. \u201cOur Gang\u201d) American comedy short films (1922-1944). I am sure RD will \u201cspank\u201d my butt for calling him \u201cSpanky.\u201d] Iconoclasm began amidst GH and LA\u2019s thrash infused guitar riffs and TH\u2019s double bass drums. After a 60 second introduction RD sang the first verse at a mid tempo pace and slightly lower than usual octave. RD then sang the second verse, which was preceded by a 15 second display of frenetic riffing by GH and LA and tom tom pummeling by TH. RD then sang the second chorus with the tempo slowing down to a mid tempo pace when he sang the final word (i.e., \u201cfree\u201d). GH and LA played heavy guitar riffs for 40 seconds after which RD sang the third verse and GH played a 35 second guitar solo. The tempo then resumed an up tempo pace and the band engaged in a two minute jam session during which LA played a 30 second guitar solo. RD then sang the third verse and chorus.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Lee Altus &amp; Rob Dukes\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus5.jpg\" alt=\"Lee Altus &amp; Rob Dukes\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>4. Metal Command (Bonded by Blood, 1985) began with LA\u2019s palm muted guitar riffs and TH\u2019s drumming above which GH laid the song\u2019s signature guitar chord progression. RD sang the first verse and chorus. The second verse was preceded by a 10 second interlude during which GH and LA played guitar chord progressions. RD then sang the second verse and chorus followed by a 45 second GH guitar solo and a 25 second jam session. RD then sang the third verse and chorus with the former containing particularly memorable lyrics, \u201cOur legions show no mercy. The final hour nears. Sonic blast deafening. It\u2019s ripping through your ears. There is no retribution \u2026 for those who do not dare. There\u2019s only execution. You\u2019re dead without a prayer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding:10px;\" title=\"Jack Gibson\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus6.jpg\" alt=\"Jack Gibson\" width=\"246\" height=\"327\" align=\"left\" \/> 5. Downfall (Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 2010). Before Downfall RD said, \u201cHow many metalheads do we have here tonight? How many of you watch that show Metalocalypse [animated television series about a death metal band called Dethklok]? Well the director of that show [Jon Schnepp] shot our latest video. It is coming out in a week or some sh*t like that. It\u2019s called Downfall.\u201d [Note to self: buy a Little Rascals calendar as RD\u2019s practical Christmas gift.] The first 45 seconds of the song featured GH playing harmonic guitar notes atop LA and JG\u2019s solid rhythm chords. JG wore black combat boots, black jean pants, plain black t-shirt, and black sweatband on his right forearm. JG played a black Yamaha five string bass and used Ampeg amplifiers (\u201camps\u201d). [JG is the metal equivalent of Johnny Cash (American country singer, guitarist dubbed \u201cThe Man in Black\u201d). Also, JG\u2019s mustache and beard remind me Porthos, the fictional character in Alexandre Dumas, p\u00e8re\u2019s novel, The Three Musketeers (1844). <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding:10px;\" title=\"Gary Holt\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus7.jpg\" alt=\"Gary Holt\" width=\"248\" height=\"331\" align=\"right\" \/> I would not be surprised if JG came on stage wielding a sword in lieu of a bass and chanted, \u201cAll for one, one for all.\u201d] GH and LA then played churning mid tempo guitar riffs that continued into the first verse followed by the first chorus with a slightly escalated tempo. The first chorus fluidly transitioned into the second verse during which the tempo momentarily slowed down only to return to the higher tempo during the second chorus.<\/p>\n<p>The song\u2019s highlight came after the second chorus when the tempo slightly slowed down, JG and TH delivered a heavy series of bass lines and drum beats, and GH and LA played ominous guitar riffs. [The suspenseful eerie mood the band created was equivalent to the laboratory scene in James Whale\u2019s classic horror film, \u201cFrankenstein\u201d (1931) when the mad scientist successfully brought his wretched creation to life.] The audience thrice chanted, \u201cFall\u201d and RD screamed, \u201cDownfall!\u201d [My downfall came during the first three songs when various crowd surfing limbs toppled on me like rainfall in the two feet wide photo pit.] GH then played a 35 second guitar solo followed by the third verse and chorus. During the third chorus the audience repeatedly chanted, \u201cHay\u201d and pumped their fists in the air. The song ended with a 50 second cascade of GH and LA guitar riffs. Downfall, along with another song to be performed, received the strongest audience reaction of the five new songs the band performed.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding:10px;\" title=\"Gary Holt\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus8.jpg\" alt=\"Gary Holt\" width=\"246\" height=\"327\" align=\"left\" \/> 6. A Lesson in Violence (Bonded by Blood, 1985). Before A Lesson in Violence RD said, \u201cYou are always so awesome. This band has been tearing it up since 1982. Our new record still shows we thrash the right way. We do it just the right way, fast and heavy.\u201d A Lesson in Violence is an up tempo thrasher that began with GH and LA\u2019s chainsaw like guitar riffs followed by RD singing the first verse, \u201cIf you got something to say then come my way. I\u2019m guarded by Satan I\u2019m riding on Baphomet. I\u2019ll teach you a lesson in violence you won\u2019t soon forget. The pleasure of watching you die is what I will get.\u201d RD then sang the first chorus followed by a 15 second interlude that featured a battery of GH and LA guitar riffs atop TH\u2019s thundering drums. Robb Flynn (Machine Head\u2019s vocalist, rhythm guitarist) came on stage and sang the second chorus. GH and LA then played guitar solos for 60 seconds after which they locked into tight riffing. The mosh pit during A Lesson in Violence, along with two more songs to be performed, was particularly violent, hence the song title.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding:10px;\" title=\"Lee Altus\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus9.jpg\" alt=\"Lee Altus\" width=\"246\" height=\"327\" align=\"right\" \/> 7. Fabulous Disaster (Fabulous Disaster, 1989). Before Fabulous Disaster RD said, \u201cAre you guys tired? You want us to slow it down? You want some slow sh*t? How about something from 1989? Fabulous Disaster!\u201d The song\u2019s introduction featured LA playing a mid tempo guitar chord progression amidst red and blue stage lights while standing on TH\u2019s 18 inch high, black colored wooden drum riser. GH played a series of frenetic guitar riffs atop LA\u2019s guitar chord progression. At the 0:45 mark LA joined GH in frenetic riffing that continued into the first verse. LA wore black sneakers, black jean pants, plain black t shirt, and black sweatbands on his forearms. LA played a black ESP flying V guitar. [LA has so much lengthy hair he reminds me of a troll doll (toy doll fad created by Danish fisherman, woodcutter Thomas Dam (1959)), albeit more tamed and not as \u201cpoofy.\u201d] Fabulous Disaster contained a particularly catchy chorus. The tempo momentarily slowed down before RD sang the final two lines of the first chorus but resumed an up tempo pace in time for GH\u2019s 40 second guitar solo. After GH\u2019s guitar solo LA once again played a mid tempo guitar chord progression atop which GH played frenetic guitar riffs. LA eventually joined GH in frenetic riffing that continued into the second verse followed by the second chorus that ended when RD screamed, \u201cFabulous disaster!\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Jack Gibson &amp; Gary Holt (left)\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus10.jpg\" alt=\"Jack Gibson &amp; Gary Holt\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>8. Blacklist (Tempo of the Damned, 2004). Before Blacklist RD said, \u201cIs everybody drinking and getting stoned or what?! [For a nanosecond my cross-wired brain misinterpreted RB with a literal interpretation of \u201cgetting stoned,\u201d the capital punishment whereby an organized group throws stones at an individual until death. This punishment seems a bit drastic for drinking but then again fundamentalist countries condone stoning. All it would take to crack my puny skull is a pebble.] We forgot our weed but we are home now. When we say we need weed people just throw it on stage. How cool is that?! This one is called Blacklist.\u201d Blacklist is a catchy mid tempo rocker that began with GH and LA\u2019s basic, chugging guitar riffs and TH\u2019s solid tom tom drums. The audience repeatedly chanted, \u201cHay\u201d while RD screamed, \u201cBang your fu**in\u2019 heads!\u201d RD sang the first two verses and choruses in standard verse chorus pattern. The band then jammed for 30 seconds followed by GH and LA guitar solos for 50 seconds. The song concluded with RD singing the third verse and chorus.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding:10px;\" title=\"Rob Dukes\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus11.jpg\" alt=\"Rob Dukes\" width=\"273\" height=\"363\" align=\"left\" \/> 9. The Sun is My Destroyer (Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 2010). Before The Sun is My Destroyer RD said, \u201cI heard some guy up front yell, \u2018Play some new sh*t.\u2019 This one is called, The Sun is My Destroyer.\u201d The Sun is My Destroyer is an epic song nearly 10 minutes in length. [It was long enough for me to read Leo Tolstoy\u2019s 1225 page novel, \u201cWar and Peace\u201d (1869) followed by a facial.] During the first 45 seconds GH and LA played recurring guitar riffs and TH a mid tempo, heavy tom tom beat. TH then kicked the song into overdrive with insanely fast drumming on par with Dave Lombardo (Slayer drummer). RD sang the first verse and chorus with a death metal vocal style. The first verse\u2019s lyrics fit the death metal theme, \u201cImmortal subjugator, usurper, dominator. Blood ruler of the dark. Lord of the shadow world, flag of black unfurled. Foul, unholy patriarch. Enslaver of mankind, king of all unkind. Light ender in black domain. I fear only the dawn, at war with the rising sun. Eternal dusk ordained.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Rob Dukes\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus12.jpg\" alt=\"Rob Dukes\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>After a 20 second interlude featuring GH, LA, and JG\u2019s frenetic riffing RD sang the second verse and chorus. Before the third verse the tempo significantly slowed down, and RD sang with less growl and more emotion. The slow tempo continued during GH and LA\u2019s guitar solos that lasted 60 seconds. Before RD sang the fourth verse and final chorus the song resumed a frenetic pace replete with TH\u2019s rollicking, thunderous drumming. During the final chorus white lights positioned on the stage floor stage left and right shined on the band as RD sang, \u201cThe sun is my destroyer.\u201d [The light was bright enough for RD to have taken off his shirt, gotten basted with sun tan lotion, and bronzed. I would have loaned RD the cucumber slices from my facial to protect the delicate skin around his eyes.] During the last 1:40 seconds of the song the band showed its musical prowess by jamming at an insanely high tempo. After the song concluded RD said, \u201cThat is the first time we played that. We played it just for you. Next time we play that I want you all to sing along.\u201d The Sun is My Destroyer, along with Downfall, received the strongest audience reaction of the five new songs the band performed.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Gary Holt\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus13.jpg\" alt=\"Gary Holt\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>10. War is My Shepherd (Tempo of the Damned, 2004). Before War is My Shepherd RD said, \u201cI want a big pit for this song. This one is called War is My Shepherd.\u201d During the introduction to this up tempo thrasher GH played sinister guitar riffs and TH bashed his tom tom drums. The pace and first verse\u2019s lyrics set the tone for intense moshing, \u201cYou put your faith in Christianity. I put mine in artillery. My M 16 my lord and savior. Christ never done me a motherf**king favor.\u201d [GH may not place high priority on grammar, but his prolific memorable songwriting skills are among the best in the metal genre.] RD sang the first two verses and choruses in standard verse chorus pattern. During the choruses the audience sang along with vigor. After the second chorus GH played a 20 second guitar solo.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Exodus\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus14.jpg\" alt=\"Exodus\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The aural attack did not let up as the band then engaged in a 45 second jam session during which GH and LA stood center stage facing each other. RD then sang the third verse, \u201cFarwell, Graham and Farrakhan. They need god, I need napalm. Praise the lord and pass the ammunition. My sermon is my demolition.\u201d [These lyrics evidence GH\u2019s noteworthy ability to write simple yet poignant lyrics. GH is a guru at using few words to effectively convey his views and make listeners ponder. GH would have a lucrative career as a Satanic monk, if such a job title existed, preaching the virtues of the dark overlord.] The third chorus was followed by a 20 second LA guitar solo. The mosh pit during War is My Shepherd, A Lesson in Violence, along with one more song to be performed, was particularly ravenous.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Exodus\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus15.jpg\" alt=\"Exodus\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>11. Impaler (Tempo of the Damned, 2004). Before Impaler RD said, \u201cNow I am seeing old school mother fu**in\u2019 moshing here tonight. This one goes out to (Paul) Baloff [late, original Exodus vocalist]. It is called the Impaler.\u201d Impaler is a solid rocker that began with JG and TH\u2019s heavy, mid tempo bass lines and drum beats, as well as GH and LA\u2019s palm muted guitar riffs. A 15 second interlude that featured GH and LA\u2019s guitar riffs separated the first two verses. After the second verse RD screamed, \u201cEveryone go insane!\u201d RD\u2019s command served as the battle cry for the tempo to significantly increase as he sang the first chorus.\u201d LA then played a three second guitar run followed by the second chorus during which white stage lights were syncopated with TH\u2019s pulsating drum beats. LA then played a brief guitar solo followed by the third and final chorus. During the last two minutes of the song the tempo slowed to a mid tempo pace and the band engaged in a jam session. Impaler was the second consecutive song the band played off Tempo of the Damned (2004), but it was written by TH, GH, and Kirk Hammett (former Exodus and current Metallica guitarist) in 1982.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding:10px;\" title=\"Gary Holt\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus16.jpg\" alt=\"Gary Holt\" width=\"246\" height=\"327\" align=\"right\" \/> 12. Strike of the Beast (Bonded by Blood, 1985) is an all out thrasher that featured GH and LA\u2019s fluttering guitar riffs and TH\u2019s monstrous double bass drums. RD sang the first verse and chorus as if spitting poison out of his mouth. After a 10 second interlude that highlighted GH and LA\u2019s tight riffing RD sang the second verse and chorus. One of the two song highlights took place after the second chorus when the tempo momentarily slowed down and RD said, \u201cI want to thank all you guys for coming out tonight. I want you to pick a side. (the pit audience separated into two clusters) I want everyone over here [stage left] to kill everyone over there [stage right], and I want you [stage right] to kill everyone over there [stage left]. C\u2019mon spread it out more! No one goes \u2018til I say \u2026 hold \u2026 hold \u2026 hayyyyyyyy!\u201d The fans in the two pit clusters rushed toward each other and violently collided. [The fury with which the two warring factions collided was like a battle scene from Peter Jackson fantasy adventure film trilogy, \u201cThe Lord of the Rings\u201d (2001-2003).]<\/p>\n<p>GH, LA, JG, and TH then engaged in the song\u2019s second highlight, a 20 second jam session that was testament to the band\u2019s undeniable music prowess and that fluidly led into the third verse after which LA and GH played guitar solos for 40 seconds. RD then sang the fourth and final verse. During the final 15 seconds of the song LA pulled a pre teen boy from front row, strapped his guitar on the bewildered boy, and encouraged him to strum the guitar. The boy enjoyed strumming LA\u2019s guitar so much that GH and LA\u2019s guitar technician eventually came over and gently removed the guitar. The mosh pit during Strike of the Beast, along with War is My Shepherd and A Lesson in Violence, was particularly tumultuous with Strike of the Beast reigning as the song that unleashed the greatest fury. The band left the stage at 12:17 and returned in one minute to play four additional songs.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"padding:10px;\" title=\"Lee Altus\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus17.jpg\" alt=\"Lee Altus\" width=\"246\" height=\"327\" align=\"left\" \/> 13. Bonded by Blood (Bonded by Blood, 1985). Before Bonded by Blood TH came center stage and said, \u201cShh. I want to dedicate this show to Debbie Abono [late Bay Area manager of numerous thrash and death metal bands during the 1980\u2019s and 1990\u2019s who succumbed to cancer on May 16, 2010]. She was like a mother to a lot of us. But you know what? She went out the same day as Ronnie James Dio [late Black Sabbath, Dio, Rainbow singer who also succumbed to cancer on May 16, 2010] so she is in a good place.\u201d As a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, GH played a part of the melody of Holy Diver from Dio\u2019s Holy Diver record (1983) and Gates of Babylon from Rainbow\u2019s Long Live Rock \u2018n\u2019 Roll record (1978). Bonded by Blood began with a tape track of the sound effect of the roaring engine of a rapidly descending plane shortly before crash followed by GH and LA\u2019s high energy, machine gun like guitar riffs. RD sang the first verse and chorus with ample audience participation. After a 15 second interlude that featured GH and LA\u2019s mind numbing guitar riffs, RD sang the second verse and chorus. GH and LA then played guitar solos for 35 seconds after which RD repeated the first verse and chorus.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Exodus\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus18.jpg\" alt=\"Exodus\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>14. Hell\u2019s Breath (Let There be Blood, 2009). Before Hell\u2019s Breath RD said, \u201c(Chris) Kontos [former Exodus drummer] where are you? This one is for you. You are the star of the DVD (Shovel Headed Tour Machine: Live at Wacken and Other Assorted Atrocities). Seeing you 15 feet above ground. [RD erroneously identified Chris Kontos when he meant Toby Rage whose photograph mid air high atop the crowd is featured on the DVD.] This one is called Hell\u2019s Breath.\u201d Hell\u2019s Breath featured mid tempo chugging guitar riffs. RD sang the first two verses and choruses in standard verse chorus pattern. The band experienced minor technical difficulties that thrice caused very loud feedback from GH and LA\u2019s Engl amps. Since RD was standing one foot in front of the amps, he covered his ears as he sang and stormed back and forth while he covered his ears. [RD reminded me of Quasimodo, the namesake in Victor Hugo\u2019s novel, \u201cThe Hunchback of Notre Dame\u201d (1831) because he hunched over as he stormed back and forth, the difference being Quasimodo became deaf from loud ringing of church bells whereas RD nearly became deaf from amp feedback.] As RD screamed the chorus the song shifted to an up tempo mode with TH exhibiting unbelievable drumming. GH and LA each played 10 second guitar solos followed by a 60 second jam session. RD then sang the third and final verse. After the song concluded RD asked, \u201cHow many people saw that song back in the day? (numerous audience members raised their hands) Wow!\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Gary Holt\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus19.jpg\" alt=\"Gary Holt\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>15. Toxic Waltz (Fabulous Disaster, 1989). Before Toxic Waltz RD said, \u201cYou guys tired? We got time for a couple more. I want to see an old school fu**in\u2019 pit for The Toxic Fu**in\u2019 Waltz!\u201d Toxic Waltz is a mid tempo song with a catchy melody during the verses, pre chorus, and chorus. RD sang the first verse in pseudo rap fashion and fluidly transitioned to the pre chorus and chorus. After a two second interlude RD sang the second verse, pre chorus and chorus. GH and LA switched back and forth each playing two guitar solos lasting 60 seconds followed by a 25 second jam session. The tempo slightly slowed down before RD sang the third and final verse. Toxic Waltz is arguably the band\u2019s biggest commercial hit mainly due to the airplay its video received on Headbanger\u2019s Ball (MTV television program consisting of heavy metal music videos).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: 0px;\" title=\"Gary Holt\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/images\/exodus20.jpg\" alt=\"Gary Holt\" width=\"409\" height=\"307\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>16. Good Riddance (Exhibit B: The Human Condition, 2010). Before Good Riddance RD said, \u201cEverybody say hello to Gary Holt, Jack Gibson, Lee Fu**in\u2019 Altus, and, on the drums, Tom Fu**in\u2019 Hunting! Give it up for Heathen. Lee Altus pulled double duty. He did that for you.\u201d RD sang the first verse of this up tempo thrasher at a particularly fast pace followed by the first chorus. During the 35 second interlude between the first chorus and second verse GH and LA played a flurry of muted guitar riffs while TH played frenetic double bass drums. After the second verse GH and LA played frenetic riffs for 20 seconds followed by guitar solos for 40 seconds. RD stood next to LA during his guitar solo and played air guitar complete with wincing. RD then sang the third verse and second chorus. The band members individually came stage front and raised their hands in appreciation.<\/p>\n<p>Venue: Slim\u2019s is a 400 seat San Francisco club that rhythm and blues artist Boz Scaggs opened in 1988. Slim\u2019s is located within three miles of San Francisco\u2019s financial district. The club decor is simple and includes chandeliers, brick walls, and a bar inspired by the facades of New Orleans manors. Within five feet of walking through the entrance are six steps that lead immediately up and into the general admission floor approximately 20 feet from the stage. At one end of the main floor is the stage that measures 29 feet wide by 16 feet deep. The stage is three feet and three inches from the club floor and features a moveable drum riser eight feet by six feet and a very narrow photo pit. At the other end of the main floor is a small balcony with 14 tables and seating for 70 people. The sound console is located in the rear by the steps leading up to the balcony. The L shaped bar runs the length of the floor stage left. The general admission floor also includes six pillars. Located downstairs are three dressing rooms, coat check, and additional restrooms.<\/p>\n<p>Opening Bands (first to last): Passive Aggressive, Anvil Chorus, Heathen<\/p>\n<p>Arash Moussavian, Entertainment Law Attorney<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:arashmoussavian@cal.berkeley.edu\">arashmoussavian@cal.berkeley.edu<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/arashmoussavian\" target=\"blank\">http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/arashmoussavian<\/a><br \/>\nAll photos taken by Arash Moussavian. This article and all photos are protected by copyright. Please contact me prior to use, or I will make shish kabab of your loins.<\/p>\n\n<!-- Facebook Like Button v1.9.6 BEGIN [https:\/\/blog.bottomlessinc.com] -->\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.moussavianlaw.com%2Fconcerts-interviews%2Fconcert-reviews%2F54%2Fexodus%2F&amp;layout=standard&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=450&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowTransparency=\"true\" style=\"border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height: 30px; align: left; margin: 2px 0px 2px 0px\"><\/iframe>\n<!-- Facebook Like Button END -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Concert Review: Exodus (San Francisco, CA, Slim&#8217;s, 12-06-10) On Sunday, June 12, 2010 Exodus played a record release show at Slim\u2019s nightclub. Exodus played a 16 song, 110 minute set from 10:51 to 12:41. 1. Ballad of Leonard and Charles &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/concert-reviews\/54\/exodus\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[23],"class_list":["post-54","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-concert-reviews","tag-exodus"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56,"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54\/revisions\/56"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.moussavianlaw.com\/concerts-interviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}