Of the old guard, maybe with the exception of Sodom, Exodus have delivered some of the most punishingly heavy thrash metal of the past 20 years or so. Sure, it has been somewhat variable, but Shovel Headed Kill Machine, parts of the Atrocity albums and Blood In, Blood Out, contain some seriously solid tracks that have stood the test of time. Their last album, Persona Non Grata, also had some strong moments, and since then Rob Dukes has returned on vocals, replacing Steve Souza.

I'll say from the outset that this album is different, and it's no surprise it's getting mixed reactions. The whole band has contributed to the songwriting, resulting in a very varied album. It starts in familiar fashion with the menacing opener "3111" and the riff avalanche that is "Hostis Humani Generis." From there, things get unpredictable: "The Changing Me" flirt heavily with Scandinavian melodic death metal and together with "Promise You This" are far more accessible than expected. Dukes doesn't sound entirely comfortable in these more melodic passages; while he stretches his range, it comes off a bit strained. The slower title track is another curveball, but unlike those two, it lumbers forward with an oppressive, crushing weight that leaves a mark.

Past the midpoint, the album remains just as uneven. "Beyond the Event Horizon" is a savage thrasher, while "2 Minutes Hate" and "Violence Works" lean a bit too heavily into groove. The closing stretch, however, redeems some ground with "Summon of the God Unknown" and "The Dirtiest of the Dozen," both welcome nods to their 2000s output.

All in all, Goliath is a mixed bag, and it's hard to argue with those who feel it could have benefited from trimming a few tracks for a more cohesive listen. That said, Exodus sound energized and inspired. There's plenty of high-quality thrash here delivering the expected punishment, and it genuinely feels like they're having a blast, which does shine through.