exodus_2016_03

» Exodus 2016 03 22

Reviewed by Mozzy
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Support: Lost Society
City: Uppsala, Sweden
Venue: Katalin
Date: March 22, 2016
Lost Society set length: 40 minutes
Exodus set length: 90 minutes

Lost Society

Finnish thrashers Lost Society created a buzz when they stormed onto the scene with their debut Fast Loud Death in 2013. This being the first time I see them live, it is clear straight away that the same intensity and hunger on the albums is present onstage. The sound suffers a bit in the beginning of the set but gets better, and the effort from the band is very committed from the first second to the last.

There is constant furious headbanging and the wild enthusiasm displayed when the young Finns play their aggressive thrash metal is an injection. Singer/guitarist Samy Elbanna does his utmost to get the rather reserved Tuesday evening crowd going and his banter is reminiscent of fellow Finnish frontman Alexi Laiho of Children Of Bodom.

To be honest, when it comes to the music Lost Society do not possess that many memorable tunes yet, certainly not in the premier league of the headliners tonight for example. Nevertheless, the awesome spirit and energy make them a fine live act and warm-up ahead of the main course and the quartet get an approving response from the audience.

Performance: 6,5 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 7 chalices of 10
Best: The energy onstage
Worst: Some of the songs are not that memorable

(sorry, no setlist)

Exodus

The announcement that none other than Exodus, one of the giants of thrash metal, would be playing in Uppsala in a smaller venue had fans cheering aloud, and the room is completely packed when the Americans take to the stage. After two tracks from latest album Blood In Blood Out, the classic And Then There Were None creates the first mosh pit. To be honest, there is not as much action in the crowd as there would have been at a weekend gig.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere is still impressive for a Tuesday, prompting frontman Steve 'Zetro' Souza to cheerfully ask "it's Saturday night, right?". That Zetro is enjoying being back in Exodus is visible from his grin and eagerness onstage, and his distinctive vocals are delivered well. There is also a serious moment, however, when the singer comments on the tragic terror attacks in Belgium on this same date, fittingly before Children Of A Worthless God.

The latest album was very well received, and both Salt The Wound and Body Harvest get a strong response with a loud crowd participation during the latter. Then, the second half of the terrific setlist presents one thrash classic after the other, generating much excitement and singing among the audience. The band put on an excellent performance and really seem to be having a fun time.

Towards the end, kick-ass drummer Tom Hunting stands up on his stool and gives a great speech on how the band appreciate the long-standing support. The love between Exodus and their fans really is genuine and it is evident tonight. To say the least, this Tuesday evening, with an Exodus gig in an intimate setting, is one that is much more entertaining than a normal Tuesday evening.

Performance: 8 chalices of 10
Stage sound: 8 chalices of 10
Best: Blacklist
Worst: ---

Setlist:
Black 13
Blood In, Blood Out
And Then There Were None
Children Of A Worthless God
Deranged
Salt The Wound
Body Harvest
Metal Command
Piranha
A Lesson In Violence
Blacklist
War Is My Shepherd
Impaler
Bonded By Blood
The Toxic Waltz
Strike Of The Beast