Persona Non Grata
Exodus · 2021
60 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal
Razor-sharp riffs and unrelenting rhythms blend with fierce lyrical commentary, embodying the essence of modern thrash metal.
Top tracks — play these first
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Persona Non Grata — The title track delivers a blistering introduction that sets the tone for the entire album with its relentless pace and pointed lyrics against societal issues.
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Elitist — This track captures the band's signature style with its intricate guitar work and a critique of social hierarchies, resonating deeply within the thrash community.
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The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves) — 'The Beatings Will Continue' employs dark humor paired with aggressive instrumentation, exemplifying Exodus's ability to mix satire with serious themes.
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Antiseed — 'Antiseed' showcases complex song structures and dynamic shifts, highlighting the band’s technical proficiency while delivering a powerful message about personal struggle.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong thrash elements with sharp riffs and intense lyrics, though it may not redefine the genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy title track that sets a fast tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing slightly in the latter tracks.
- Each song features intricate guitar work with rapid-fire riffs and solos, often layered over aggressive drumming patterns.
- Lyrical themes focus on social commentary and personal struggles, delivered with a fierce vocal style that matches the intensity of the instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- intense focus on lyrical themes
- cathartic release through aggression
- for high-energy sessions
- engaging headphone detail exploration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking soft, mellow sounds
- prefer quick, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 19, 2021, 'Persona Non Grata' is Exodus's tenth studio album and their first since the return of guitarist Lee Altus. Following a significant hiatus since their previous album, 'Blood In, Blood Out' (2014), this record marks a renewed vigor in their sound and songwriting approach, showcasing the band's resilience in the thrash metal scene.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Elitist
A shift occurs in the chorus where the singer confronts societal elites directly instead of using vague references.
This direct address reveals a bold stance against elitism that contrasts with the more abstract critiques found throughout the verses.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Persona Non Grata 7:31
- 2 R.E.M.F. 4:22
- 3 Slipping Into Madness 5:33
- 4 Elitist 3:58
- 5 Prescribing Horror 5:10
- 6 The Beatings Will Continue (Until Morale Improves) 3:01
- 7 The Years of Death and Dying 5:23
- 8 Clickbait 4:31
- 9 Cosa Del Pantano 1:13
- 10 Lunatic-Liar-Lord 7:59
- 11 The Fires of Division 5:23
- 12 Antiseed 6:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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