Alcatraz Line up: 2008, 2013, 2016, 2022, 2024

Californian thrash metallers Exodus are one of the pioneering bands of the Bay Area thrash scene and as such, they embody one of the reasons why this festival came into existence in the first place: an unadulterated love of thrash metal! Formed in 1980, Exodus’ catalogue speaks for itself and their 1985 debut ‘Bonded by Blood’ is a thrash masterclass. In June 2014 Rob Dukes left after nine years to be replaced with former vocalist Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza. A decade after Souza’s last contribution on 2004’s ‘Tempo of the Damned’, ‘Blood In, Blood Out’ rekindled the vibe of the band’s early years with a collection of classic, balls-to-the-wall thrash tracks that make a lasting impression. After what was the longest lasting recording hiatus in the band’s career, ‘Persona Non Grata’ hit the shelves in 2021. Arguably the heaviest album to date with Steve Souza on vocals, the seven lean years in terms of recordings clearly did nothing to dull the band’s edge. Exodus have never compromised in favour of commercial appeal. Be sure to check out ‘Clickbait’ and ‘The Beatings Will Continue’, the first two singles off the album, along with 80s bombshell albums, ‘Pleasures of the Flesh’ (1987) and ‘Fabulous Disaster (1989).