Impact Is Imminent

Released in 1990, Impact Is Imminent marks Exodus's major label debut on Capitol Records and their third studio album featuring vocalist Steve 'Zetro' Souza. Following the success of Fabulous Disaster, the band leaned further into a technical, riff-heavy approach that prioritized speed and rhythmic complexity. The album is notable for its 'dry' production style, which places the guitars of Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt at the absolute forefront, showcasing the intricate 'H-Team' interplay that defined the Bay Area thrash sound. Lyrically, the album moves between social commentary on tracks like 'A.W.O.L.' and 'Only Death Decides' to genre-affirming anthems like 'Thrash Under Pressure.' While it arrived as the thrash scene was beginning to shift toward groove metal and death metal, Impact Is Imminent remains a purist's document of high-speed technicality. It is often cited for its relentless pace and the sheer volume of riffs packed into each track, cementing Exodus's reputation as the most aggressive of the original thrash pioneers.