Exodus - Persona Non Grata (Album Review)

Much like a thrasher walking atop of the heads of other thrashers – the anticipation for Exodus’ newest offering in 7 years was through the roof (of thrasher’s heads, hehe). Though it should be warned (without any real surprises) that this record is not for the faint of heart. Persona Non Grata by literal translated definition is “an unwelcome individual”. If you don’t like an aural pummeling; beware of this record. With all the teasing out of the way, however – let’s get stuck into Persona Non Grata by Exodus.

Right away, the record starts with the exquisite title-track “Persona Non Grata” – a slab of what we’ve come to expect from Exodus. But somehow, this track feels like a fresh, reinvigorated Exodus; with its serpentine riffage and varied vocal assault to boot. The track can feel a tad bit repetitive – and it honestly could have ended 2 or 3 minutes early – but the riffage still manages to stay it’s 7 and a half minute welcome.

Then we get to what I find to be the weakest part of Persona Non Grata – the semi-quick, albeit old school thrashers. Whilst it works in a live setting, it really slows the pace down all too quickly after the vicious album opener. I didn’t find myself thoroughly enjoying “R.E.M.F”, “Elitist” and the Lee Altus-penned “Slipping Into Madness” all that much – beginning to blend together after a while. Though I would admit that the latter has a much more prominent melodic aspect that really isn’t heard for the rest of the album (until one gets to “The Years of Death and Dying”, that is.) The pace and therefore interest picks up once again when you get to “Prescribing Horror” – an honestly refreshing take on a slowed-down, groovy, almost doom-laden Exodus track. I know what you’re thinking… “Doom? That just means it’s slow and boring!” Funnily enough, I’d agree with that sentiment for the most part whenever Exodus attempt slow songs – but “Prescribing Horror” ended up being one of the most interesting songs on the album.

Now we move in to some of the heavier, more-straightforward parts of Persona Non Grata – the singles. We start off with “The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)” – one of the most fun Exodus songs to date. It’s relatively simple but razor sharp approach is definitely the most palatable parts of Persona Non Grata – along with the groove-laden “The Years of Death and Dying”. The latter of which boasts quite an interesting, mid-paced groove that I believe to be among the best of their career in that regard (hot take; yes, better than “Blacklist”, in my eyes). It’s one of the only genuinely hooky moments on the whole record – with the lyrics being among the highlights of the whole album. Finally, we move on to single #2 – “Clickbait” – the song that really convinced me to give Persona Non Grata a chance. It’s honest-to-god, straight-forward riffage is utterly infectious throughout the run time of the track, though I’d argue that the chorus is among the weakest of the album.

How do you follow such a great track, you ask? With an even better track (well, two) – found in the thoroughly interesting interlude “Cosa Del Pantano” and the monolithic riff city that is “Lunatic-Liar-Lord”. I’m going to say it now – these might be my favourite Exodus tracks of their whole career. There are some wholly interesting and poignant riff work during every single second of the tracks – guitarist and chief songwriter Gary Holt really showcasing his excellent knack for songwriting on these tracks. Even vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza really helps the track elevate to another level of heaviness, groove and memorability. If the record ended here, I’d be happy. But unfortunately, it doesn’t…

I’m honestly quite saddened that album-closers “The Fires of Division” and “Antiseed” are placed where they are – because it really takes the wind out of the pace set by “Lunatic-Liar-Lord”. It really could have ended without these tracks at all – which is unfair because they’re both fine tracks. “The Fires of Division” contains some tasteful melodies and some truly epic moments, and “Antiseed” contains a quasi-AC/DC swagger that added a bit more variation to quite a varied record already. However, they should have been placed higher in the tracklist. Oh well, you can’t win them all!

Overall – Persona Non Grata is by no means a bad Exodus album, or even a mediocre Exodus album. It just feels very hit-or-miss – where the misses aren’t massive but noticeable and the hits are career-defining. It’s an optimal place to be with an album 40 years into your career – unfortunately, it doesn’t feel quite as expansive as was teased by the band and countless fans alike.

Rating; 7/10

MegaDeaf’s Deaf-initive picks;

• Track 1: “Persona Non Grata”,

• Track 5: “Prescribing Horror”,

• Track 6: “The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves)”,

• Track 8: “Clickbait”,

• Track 9/10: “Cosa Del Pantano / Lunatic-Liar-Lord”

Let me know what your thoughts are on Persona Non Grata!