Pleasures of the Flesh

Released in 1987, 'Pleasures of the Flesh' marks a pivotal transition for Exodus, following the departure of original vocalist Paul Baloff. The introduction of Steve 'Zetro' Souza brought a more melodic yet equally biting vocal style that would define the band's most commercially successful era. Sonically, the album refines the 'Bay Area Thrash' blueprint with cleaner production than its predecessor, 'Bonded by Blood,' while maintaining the signature 'H-Team' riffing style of Gary Holt and Rick Hunolt. The recording process was famously delayed, leading to several demos with Baloff circulating before the final release. Lyrically, the album explores themes of insanity ('Deranged'), pharmaceutical corruption ('Chemi-Kill'), and the band's own high-speed lifestyle. Despite the controversy surrounding its original 'cannibal' artwork, which was replaced by a more standard band photo, the album solidified Exodus as a premier force in the global metal scene, bridging the gap between underground extremity and the burgeoning thrash mainstream.