Opting to tour solo, without the benefit of another act that was equal or greater in popularity was certainly a bold move for long-running thrashers Exodus. Considering the band hasn't been overly visible the past few years, one would think that supporting a larger act would help Exodus not only reacquaint themselves with metal fans, but also earn them some new fans. All things considered, Exodus was firing on all cylinders, running through a nearly 2-hour set of thrash classics, and the occasional clunker (‘Toxic Waltz’) with relative ease.

With no national support act, three local acts filled the opening slots and were received with Pittsburgh's notorious display of apathy towards local bands. Being involved with Pittsburgh's metal scene and playing in a band that frequents numerous local venues, this writer can sympathize with the reaction Shipwreck I Promised, Blackmarket Bodyparts, and Fight Machine received. I was told a long time ago that "Pittsburgh fans don't support Pittsburgh bands" and that sentiment rang louder than ever tonight. And people wonder why Cleveland's metal scene is light years ahead of Pittsburgh…

After grimacing through the aforementioned sets, Exodus took the stage to a throng of roughly 150 or so people (this is Pittsburgh we're talking about). In spite of the relatively small crowd, Exodus played as if they were in front of 15,000 people. Opening with ‘The Scar-Spangled Banner’, the 'H-team' instantly took charge, offering up a workout in tightness, precision, and riff mastery. To this day, very few can match the guitar tandem that is Gary Hold and Rick Hunolt, two of the finer guitar players in the thrash realm. Watching the two interact on stage, with Holt sporting a huge grin, and Hunolt making a plethora of hilarious faces was a treat to witness. Barely a wrong note was hit, the sound was pristine, and the leads were dead-on.

Fun-loving front man Steve 'Zetro' Souza was just as animated, showcasing his air-guitar skills while the 'H-team' soloed and delivered a solid performance. Zetro worked the crowd, and made eye contact with pretty much everyone in sight. In addition, he handled some of the more rapid vocal patterns like he was still in his 20's. Although Zetro can never replace Baloff, one must commend him for replacing a thrash legend twice.

Set highlights included personal fave, ‘Fabulous Disaster’ ‘And Then There Were None’ ‘Piranha’ and ‘Strike Of the Beast’. A healthy portion of the tunes was culled from their new opus, Tempo Of the Damned, all of which received a healthy response. Each album minus Force Of Habit was represented, with even a tune from the lambasted Impact Is Imminent; ‘Only Death Decides’ was aired. Good 'ole ‘Toxic Waltz’ was the song of the choice for the encore, complete with one of the lamest choruses and song ideas ever, but succeeded in inciting one of the larger pits of the night.

Out of all this, one notion arose-Exodus had fun at doing what they love. To see men in their late 30's and early 40's get up on stage and play the songs they love with such passion and enthusiasm was a pleasure to witness. No phony posturing, no calls for people to beat the shit of each other in the pit, and no political rants were to be seen or heard this night. Just five dudes from San Francisco playing some thrash metal. [END]