Exhorder

Formation and Early Years: Exhorder is an American thrash metal band formed in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1985. The band was founded by guitarist Vinnie LaBella and drummer Chris Nail, with Kyle Thomas on vocals, and bassist David Main. Exhorder quickly gained attention in the thrash metal underground for their aggressive sound, tight musicianship, and politically charged lyrics, becoming one of the pioneering bands of the genre in the late 1980s.

"Slaughter in the Vatican" and Impact: Exhorder released their debut album, "Slaughter in the Vatican", in 1990. The album featured a blend of thrash metal and groove-laden riffs, with Thomas' intense vocals and LaBella's intricate guitar work garnering critical acclaim. Tracks like "Desecrator" and "Death in Vain" showcased the band's signature sound and established Exhorder as one of the leading voices in the thrash metal scene at the time.

Influence and Legacy: Exhorder's impact on the thrash metal genre extends beyond their relatively small discography. Despite releasing only two studio albums in their initial run, Exhorder's aggressive sound and uncompromising attitude influenced a generation of metal bands, including Pantera, Lamb of God, and Machine Head. The band's groove-oriented riffing and intense vocal delivery helped pave the way for the development of groove metal and the New Orleans metal scene, leaving a lasting legacy on the metal landscape.

Disbandment and Reunion: Following the release of their sophomore album, "The Law", in 1992, Exhorder disbanded amidst internal conflicts and label issues. Despite their relatively short-lived career, the band's music continued to resonate with fans, leading to occasional reunion shows and tours in the years that followed. Exhorder's cult status only grew during their hiatus, with fans clamoring for new material and celebrating the band's influential contributions to the metal genre.

Reformation and New Material: In 2017, Exhorder announced their official reunion with founding members Vinnie LaBella and Kyle Thomas returning to the fold. The reunited lineup embarked on a successful tour, performing classic tracks from their discography to enthusiastic audiences around the world. In 2019, Exhorder released their long-awaited third studio album, "Mourn the Southern Skies", marking their first new material in nearly three decades. The album received positive reviews from fans and critics alike, reaffirming Exhorder's status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in the thrash metal genre.