Album Review: Exodus-Goliath

Words by Anselm Anderson

returns for this twelfth outing for . The shaven headed vocalist returns following a ten year hiatus from the band. ' marks his first appearance since 2010's Exhibit B:The Human Condition. Dukes returned to the fold last year, following the departure of vocalist , and this release also marks the first on Napalm Records for the band.

Produced by Exodus, and mixed and mastered by , known for his work with , and , this ten track release feels like a return to form for the . The music is intense and authentic, with each riff cutting though precision like a butcher's knife. Dukes sounds like an insane man, whose making up for lost time. The album features guest appearances by (, ) and .

Photo Credit: Jim Lovau

The album begins with the dissonant chords on "", a track that sets the tone with the chaotic and fiery intensity for the rest of the record. The album has the vibe of something would produce, with Dukes fiercely tackling politics, social issues and mental health. Dukes is complemented by a strong supporting cast with rummer Tom Hunting hitting the bass drums with ferocity.

Guitarists Lee Altus and are at the top of their game, delivering groove-oriented riffs and blistering solos reminiscent of their classic work. Each track packs raw emotion and searing anger. The intros are long and meaningful, while Dukes blends punk attitude with thrash metal that sends goosebumps down your arms. Tracks like "," "Violence Works," and "" bring the volatility and fast-paced riffage fans have come to expect from the band. The anthemic "The Changing Me" features the haunting screams of Peter Tägtgren, and "Promise You This guaranteed to spark wild mosh pit chaos.

Other highlights include the doom -laden "Goliath", featuring violinist Katy Jacoby, and the full-throttle "Beyond the Horizon", which is bound to be a fave on their upcoming European tour.

"Goliath" is ten tracks of blood pumping, smash face metal with plenty of razor sharp riffs to get those necks sore. The vocals have a nostalgic feel, backed by powerful production. There’s no shortage of anthemic tracks, and it’s clear the band has drawn heavy influence from Slayer and Megadeth. This release feels like a bold statement ahead of their upcoming tour, and they’ve absolutely delivered. Goliath is a monstrous offering, standing alongside tour mates Kreator’s Krushers of the World as an early contender for album of the year.

For further reading , please click on the link below to read the review for "Krushers of the World" by Kreator.

https://anselmanderson.blogspot.com/2026/01/album-review-kreator-krushers-of-world.html

The bands are set to embark on the Krushers of the World UK/European tour this week. You can find the dates listed below.

EU/UK Tour
w/ Kreator, Carcass, Nails

24.03.26 FR - Paris / Zenith Paris
25.03.26 BE - Brussels / Ancienne Belgique
27.03.26 UK - London / O2 Academy Brixton
28.03.26 UK - Manchester / O2 Apollo Manchester
29.03.26 UK - Glasgow / O2 Academy Glasgow
31.03.26 LU - Esch-sur-Alzette / Rockhal
01.04.26 CH - Zurich / Halle 622
03.04.26 NL - ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) / Brabanthallen
04.04.26 DE - Essen / Grugahalle
05.04.26 DE - Frankfurt / Jahrhunderthalle
07.04.26 IT - Milan / Alcatraz
08.04.26 SI - Ljubljana / Media Center
09.04.26 AT - Vienna / Gasometer
10.04.26 DE - Ludwigsburg / MHP Arena
11.04.26 DE - Munich / Zenith
12.04.26 CZ - Prague / Forum Karlín
13.04.26 HU - Budapest / Barba Negra
15.04.26 PL - Warsaw / COS Torwar
17.04.26 DE - Hamburg / Inselparkhalle
18.04.26 DE - Berlin / Uber Eats Music Hall
20.04.26 LV - Riga / Palladium
21.04.26 FI - Helsinki / Black Box Finland OY
23.04.26 SE - Stockholm / Annexet
24.04.26 NO - Oslo / Sentrum Scene
25.04.26 DK - Copenhagen / Poolen

Social Media Links

EXODUS online:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
X
TIKTOK
WEBSITE

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