"Persona Non Grata" is Exodus's eleventh studio album, delivering the band's signature aggressive sound after a five-year gap between releases. It arrived amidst lineup changes and the recovery of guitarist Lee Altus from a serious health issue.
- The album was recorded at various locations including the band's rehearsal space and a home studio due to ongoing pandemic restrictions. It was mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap, who had previously worked with the band on "Blood In, Blood Out." The album features a guest appearance by original Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammett on the song "Old School."
- The album's title, "Persona Non Grata," is Latin for "unwelcome person," reflecting themes of exclusion and defiance. It reached number 40 on the German album charts and number 11 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. The album marked the recording debut of bassist Joel Gibson and drummer Tom Hunting's last album before his health-related departure.
- The band members cited personal struggles, including guitarist Lee Altus's near-fatal bout with sepsis and the loss of drummer Tom Hunting's cancer remission, as significant influences on the album's dark and aggressive tone. The album was initially planned for a 2020 release but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the aforementioned personal circumstances. "Persona Non Grata" was released on Nuclear Blast Records, continuing a long-standing relationship between the band and the label.
Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in the San Francisco Bay Area. They are considered one of the pioneers of the thrash metal genre. This 2021 album, "Persona Non Grata," was released during a period of the band's career marked by overcoming significant personal and professional challenges.
Tracklist
