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{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Exhorder
| name = Exhorder
| image = Exhorder - Turock Open Air 2018 - Essen - 054416440982 - Leonhard Kreissig - Canon EOS 60D.jpg
| image = Exhorder - Turock Open Air 2018 - Essen - 054416440982 - Leonhard Kreissig - Canon EOS 60D.jpg
| caption = Exhorder performing at Turok Open Air in Germany, 2018
| caption = Exhorder performing at Turok Open Air in Germany, 2018. L–R: Jason VieBrooks, Kyle Thomas, Vinnie LaBella
| alt =
| alt =
| image_upright = 1.25
| image_upright = 1.25
| origin = [[New Orleans]], Louisiana, U.S.
| origin = [[New Orleans]], Louisiana, U.S.
| genre = {{flatlist|
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Thrash metal]]
* [[Thrash metal]]
* [[groove metal]]}}
* [[groove metal]]}}
| years_active = {{flatlist|
| years_active = {{flatlist|
* 1985–1994
* 1985–1994
* 2008–2011
* 2008–2011
* 2017–present}}
* 2017–present}}
| label = {{flatlist|
| label = {{flatlist|
* [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]]
* [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]]
* [[Nuclear Blast]]}}
* [[Nuclear Blast]]}}
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
* Pitts vs Preps
* Pitts vs Preps
* Floodgate
* Floodgate
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* [[Fall from Grace (band)|Fall from Grace]]
* [[Fall from Grace (band)|Fall from Grace]]
* [[Trouble (band)|Trouble]]}}
* [[Trouble (band)|Trouble]]}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.exhorder.com/}}
| website = {{URL|http://www.exhorder.com/}}
| current_members =
| current_members = * Kyle Thomas
* Kyle Thomas
* [[Jason VieBrooks]]
* [[Jason VieBrooks]]
* Sasha Horn
* Sasha Horn
* [[Pat O'Brien (guitarist)|Pat O'Brien]]
| past_members =
* Vinnie LaBella
| past_members = * Vinnie LaBella
* David Main
* David Main
* Andy Villafarra
* Andy Villafarra
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}}
}}


'''Exhorder''' is an American [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band from [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]], Louisiana. They are considered progenitors of the [[groove (music)|groove]]-oriented [[Thrash metal|thrash]] sound later made famous by bands such as [[Pantera]], [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[White Zombie (band)|White Zombie]] and [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]], and their music has been regarded as a large influence on the [[Music of New Orleans#Heavy metal|New Orleans metal scene]]. Initially active from 1985 to 1994 and reformed from 2008 to 2011, Exhorder has since reformed in 2017. To date, the band has released three studio albums: ''[[Slaughter in the Vatican]]'' (1990), ''[[The Law (Exhorder album)|The Law]]'' (1992) and ''[[Mourn the Southern Skies]]'' (2019).
'''Exhorder''' is an American [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band from [[New Orleans, Louisiana|New Orleans]], Louisiana. They are considered progenitors of the [[groove (music)|groove]]-oriented [[Thrash metal|thrash]] sound later made famous by bands such as [[Pantera]] and [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]], and their music has been regarded as a large influence on the [[Music of New Orleans#Heavy metal|New Orleans metal scene]]. Initially active from 1985 to 1994 and reformed from 2008 to 2011, <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metallian.com/exhorder.php |title=Exhorder history and biography |publisher=metallian metal encyclopedia |date=25 January 2024 |access-date=25 March 2024}}</ref> Exhorder has since reformed in 2017. To date, the band has released four studio albums: ''[[Slaughter in the Vatican]]'' (1990), ''[[The Law (Exhorder album)|The Law]]'' (1992), ''[[Mourn the Southern Skies]]'' (2019) and ''Defectum Omnium'' (2024).


== Biography ==
== History==
[[File:Exhorder.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|left|From left to right: Vinnie Labella, Chris Nail, Kyle Thomas, Jay Ceravolo]]
[[File:Exhorder.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|left|From left to right: Vinnie Labella, Chris Nail, Kyle Thomas, Jay Ceravolo]]
=== Early years and split (1985–1994) ===
=== Early years and split (1985–1994) ===
Exhorder was formed in 1985 in New Orleans, Louisiana. After releasing several demos in the vein of pure thrash metal, they continued this sound with their debut studio album, ''[[Slaughter in the Vatican]]'', released in 1990. They adapted more of a groove metal-oriented sound by their second album, ''[[The Law (Exhorder album)|The Law]]'', released in 1992. The band split in 1994.
Exhorder was formed in 1985 in New Orleans, Louisiana. After releasing several demos in the vein of pure thrash metal, they continued this sound with their debut studio album, ''[[Slaughter in the Vatican]]'', released in 1990. They adapted more of a groove metal-oriented sound by their second album, ''[[The Law (Exhorder album)|The Law]]'', released in 1992. The band broke up in 1994.


{{Expand section|date=May 2020}}
{{Expand section|date=May 2020}}
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Drummer [[Seth Davis (musician)|Seth Davis]] was on a clinic tour in 2010 when he was approached by the band. Davis filled in for original drummer Chris Nail, and toured with Exhorder from early 2010 to late 2011, performing classic songs from the band's two albums. On March 22, 2011, bassist Frankie Sparcello died of unknown causes.<ref>{{cite news|title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – EXHORDER Bassist Dies|author=Blabbermouth.net |work=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155692 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326115857/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155692 |archive-date=March 26, 2011}}</ref> In the interim and in order to fulfill three show dates already booked, the band recruited local bass virtuoso Jorge Caicedo to fill in at the last minute.<ref>{{cite web|last1=H|first1=Emily|title=Exhorder Hires Talented Bassist Jorge Caicedo|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=67198|website=metalunderground.com|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> The band also played [[Maryland Deathfest]] on May 28. They then took a hiatus.
Drummer [[Seth Davis (musician)|Seth Davis]] was on a clinic tour in 2010 when he was approached by the band. Davis filled in for original drummer Chris Nail, and toured with Exhorder from early 2010 to late 2011, performing classic songs from the band's two albums. On March 22, 2011, bassist Frankie Sparcello died of unknown causes.<ref>{{cite news|title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET – EXHORDER Bassist Dies|author=Blabbermouth.net |work=Blabbermouth.net|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155692 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326115857/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155692 |archive-date=March 26, 2011}}</ref> In the interim and in order to fulfill three show dates already booked, the band recruited local bass virtuoso Jorge Caicedo to fill in at the last minute.<ref>{{cite web|last1=H|first1=Emily|title=Exhorder Hires Talented Bassist Jorge Caicedo|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=67198|website=metalunderground.com|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref> The band also played [[Maryland Deathfest]] on May 28. They then took a hiatus.


=== Second reunion (2017–present) ===
=== Second reunion and new releases (2017–present) ===
[[File:Kyle Thomas - Exhorder Party.San Metal Open Air 2022 (cropped).jpg|upright|thumb|Frontman Kyle Thomas, the band's sole consistent member]]
In November 2017, Exhorder ended their six-year hiatus with a newly formed line-up and had signed a worldwide deal with All Independent Service Alliance. They announced a two-night event in [[Brooklyn]], New York City, for February 9 and 10, 2018, by performing the entire ''Slaughter in the Vatican'' and ''The Law'' albums respectively. The band also performed a homecoming show on February 12 in New Orleans. They were also planning summer festival appearances,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-is-back-new-lineup-shows-announced/|title=EXHORDER Is Back! New Lineup, Shows Announced|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 15, 2017|date=November 15, 2017}}</ref> and would consider working on new material if the reunion shows went well.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-reformation-will-be-amazing-says-kyle-thomas/|title=EXHORDER Reformation 'Will Be Amazing,' Says KYLE THOMAS|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 30, 2017|date=December 6, 2017}}</ref>
In November 2017, Exhorder ended their six-year hiatus with a newly formed line-up and signed a worldwide deal with All Independent Service Alliance. They announced a two-night event in Brooklyn, New York, for February 9 and 10, 2018, by performing the entire ''Slaughter in the Vatican'' and ''The Law'' albums respectively. The band also performed a homecoming show on February 12 in New Orleans. They were also planning summer festival appearances,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-is-back-new-lineup-shows-announced/|title=EXHORDER Is Back! New Lineup, Shows Announced|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 15, 2017|date=November 15, 2017}}</ref> and would consider working on new material if the reunion shows went well.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-reformation-will-be-amazing-says-kyle-thomas/|title=EXHORDER Reformation 'Will Be Amazing,' Says KYLE THOMAS|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 30, 2017|date=December 6, 2017}}</ref>


On November 20, 2018, the band signed to [[Nuclear Blast]] and started work on a new album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-signs-with-nuclear-blast-records/|title=EXHORDER Signs With NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 20, 2018|date=November 20, 2018}}</ref>
The band signed to [[Nuclear Blast]] in November 2018 and started work on a new album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-signs-with-nuclear-blast-records/|title=EXHORDER Signs With NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=November 20, 2018|date=November 20, 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Exhorder Party.San Metal Open Air 2018 09.jpg|thumb|Exhorder performing in 2018]]
⚫
In May 2019, Exhorder were announced as part of a tour for [[Kataklysm]]'s "Meditations Over North America" tour in September, along with [[Krisiun]] and Hatchet.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kataklysm-to-tour-north-america-with-exhorder-krisiun-and-hatchet/|title=KATAKLYSM To Tour North America With EXHORDER, KRISIUN And HATCHET|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 8, 2019}}</ref> In July 2019, the band announced their third album titled ''[[Mourn the Southern Skies]]'', which was released on September 20, 2019. The first single, "My Time", was made available for streaming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-to-release-mourn-the-southern-skies-album-in-september-my-time-single-now-available/|title=EXHORDER To Release 'Mourn The Southern Skies' Album In September; 'My Time' Single Now Available|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 12, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2019}}</ref> Exhorder supported the album by supporting [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]] on their ''[[The Wings of War|Wings of War]]'' tour in North America.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-wings-over-usa-2020-tour-with-exhorder/|title=OVERKILL Announces 'Wings Over USA' 2020 Tour With EXHORDER|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 22, 2019|date=December 17, 2019}}</ref> The band will tour with Overkill again during the spring and summer of 2023.<ref>https://bravewords.com/news/overkill-confirm-exhorder-and-heathen-as-support-for-scorching-the-earth-european-tour-2023</ref><ref>https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-july-2023-u-s-tour-with-exhorder-and-heathen</ref>


⚫
In May 2019, Exhorder were announced as part of a tour for [[Kataklysm]]'s "Meditations Over North America" tour in September, along with [[Krisiun]] and [[Hatchet (band)|Hatchet]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kataklysm-to-tour-north-america-with-exhorder-krisiun-and-hatchet/|title=KATAKLYSM To Tour North America With EXHORDER, KRISIUN And HATCHET|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=May 8, 2019}}</ref> In July 2019, the band announced their third album, titled ''[[Mourn the Southern Skies]]'', which was released on September 20, 2019. The first single, "My Time", was made available for streaming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-to-release-mourn-the-southern-skies-album-in-september-my-time-single-now-available/|title=EXHORDER To Release 'Mourn The Southern Skies' Album In September; 'My Time' Single Now Available|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 12, 2019|access-date=July 12, 2019}}</ref> Exhorder supported the album by supporting [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]] on their ''[[The Wings of War|Wings of War]]'' tour in North America.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-wings-over-usa-2020-tour-with-exhorder/|title=OVERKILL Announces 'Wings Over USA' 2020 Tour With EXHORDER|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 22, 2019|date=December 17, 2019}}</ref> The band toured with Overkill again during the spring and summer of 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://bravewords.com/news/overkill-confirm-exhorder-and-heathen-as-support-for-scorching-the-earth-european-tour-2023 | title=OVERKILL Confirm EXHORDER and HEATHEN as Support for Scorching the Earth European Tour 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/overkill-announces-july-2023-u-s-tour-with-exhorder-and-heathen | title=OVERKILL Announces July 2023 U.S. Tour with EXHORDER and HEATHEN | date=June 6, 2023 }}</ref>
⚫
On February 23, 2020, founding guitarist Vinnie LaBella parted ways with the band, leaving vocalist Kyle Thomas as the remaining founder member.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-parts-ways-with-founding-guitarist-vinnie-labella/|title=EXHORDER Parts Ways With Founding Guitarist VINNIE LABELLA |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=February 23, 2020|date=February 23, 2020}}</ref> Instead of replacing LaBella, Exhorder has since continued on as a four-piece. On February 14, 2022, guitarist Marzi Montazeri announced that he was quitting the band.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitarist-marzi-montazeri-quits-exhorder/|title=Guitarist MARZI MONTAZERI Quits EXHORDER|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=February 14, 2022|date=February 14, 2022}}</ref>


⚫
Founding guitarist Vinnie LaBella parted ways with the band in February 2020, leaving vocalist Kyle Thomas as the remaining founding member.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-parts-ways-with-founding-guitarist-vinnie-labella/|title=EXHORDER Parts Ways With Founding Guitarist VINNIE LABELLA |work=[[Blabbermouth.net]] |access-date=February 23, 2020|date=February 23, 2020}}</ref> Instead of replacing LaBella, Exhorder has since continued on as a four-piece, with Thomas handling rhythm guitar duties.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-03 |title=Founding EXHORDER Guitarist Says He Wrote 95% Of Group's Music, Claims His Former Bandmates Are Still Not Playing Old Songs Correctly |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/founding-exhorder-guitarist-says-he-wrote-95-of-groups-music-claims-his-former-bandmates-are-still-not-playing-old-songs-correctly |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]}}</ref> On February 14, 2022, guitarist Marzi Montazeri announced that he was quitting the band.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitarist-marzi-montazeri-quits-exhorder/|title=Guitarist MARZI MONTAZERI Quits EXHORDER|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|accessdate=February 14, 2022|date=February 14, 2022}}</ref> He was replaced by [[Pat O'Brien (guitarist)|Pat O'Brien]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=52543|title=Exhorder - Pat O'Brien joins the band|website=metalstorm.net|accessdate=February 15, 2024|date=February 15, 2024}}</ref>
⚫
As of 2022, Exhorder has been working on new material for their fourth studio album.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-is-working-on-amazing-new-album/|title=EXHORDER Is Working On 'Amazing' New Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 2, 2021|date=February 28, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorders-kyle-thomas-weve-been-in-pre-production-for-next-album-for-quite-some-time/|title=EXHORDER's KYLE THOMAS: 'We've Been In Pre-Production' For Next Album 'For Quite Some Time'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=February 14, 2022|date=December 26, 2021}}</ref>

⚫
By 2022, Exhorder had been working on new material for their fourth studio album.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-is-working-on-amazing-new-album/|title=EXHORDER Is Working On 'Amazing' New Album|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=March 2, 2021|date=February 28, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/exhorders-kyle-thomas-weve-been-in-pre-production-for-next-album-for-quite-some-time/|title=EXHORDER's KYLE THOMAS: 'We've Been In Pre-Production' For Next Album 'For Quite Some Time'|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=February 14, 2022|date=December 26, 2021}}</ref> The resulting album, ''Defectum Omnium'', was released on March 8, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/exhorder-announces-new-album-defectum-omnium-shares-year-of-the-goat-music-video|title=EXHORDER Announces New Album 'Defectum Omnium', Shares 'Year Of The Goat' Music Video|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=January 12, 2024|access-date=January 12, 2024}}</ref>


== Comparisons with Pantera ==
== Comparisons with Pantera ==
There has been controversy amongst Pantera's and Exhorder's fans over similarities between both bands' sound,<ref name="exhorder">{{cite web | url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r6976|pure_url=yes}} | title = ''Slaughter in the Vatican'' review | work = [[Allmusic]] | access-date = October 21, 2005}}</ref><ref name="kylethomas">{{cite web | url = http://www.blistering.com/news/newsdet.php3?ID=3846 | title = Kyle Thomas Speaks Out on the Pantera/Exhorder 'Feud' | work = [[Blistering (magazine)|Blistering]] | access-date = November 5, 2005 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081216072315/http://www.blistering.com/news/newsdet.php3?ID=3846 | archive-date = December 16, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="dimebagloss">{{cite web | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=30285 | title = Former EXHORDER Frontman: We 'Lost An Innovator, A Warrior, And A Metal Nicolas Cage' | date=December 12, 2004 | work = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | access-date = November 5, 2005}}</ref> fueled by the success of Pantera and the obscurity of Exhorder.<ref name="exhorder" /><ref name="kylethomas" />
There has been controversy amongst Pantera's and Exhorder's fans over similarities between both bands' sounds,<ref name="exhorder">{{cite web | url = {{Allmusic|class=album|id=r6976|pure_url=yes}} | title = ''Slaughter in the Vatican'' review | work = [[Allmusic]] | access-date = October 21, 2005}}</ref><ref name="kylethomas">{{cite web | url = http://www.blistering.com/news/newsdet.php3?ID=3846 | title = Kyle Thomas Speaks Out on the Pantera/Exhorder 'Feud' | work = [[Blistering (magazine)|Blistering]] | access-date = November 5, 2005 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081216072315/http://www.blistering.com/news/newsdet.php3?ID=3846 | archive-date = December 16, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="dimebagloss">{{cite web | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=30285 | title = Former EXHORDER Frontman: We 'Lost An Innovator, A Warrior, And A Metal Nicolas Cage' | date=December 12, 2004 | work = [[Blabbermouth.net]] | access-date = November 5, 2005}}</ref> fueled by the success of Pantera and the obscurity of Exhorder.<ref name="exhorder" /><ref name="kylethomas" />


In disagreement with the opinion that Exhorder is "Pantera minus the good songs", [[AllMusic]]'s review of ''Slaughter in the Vatican'' expresses that "perhaps a more accurate billing would be to call them Pantera without the major label backing."<ref name="exhorder" /> They also point to the fact that the title of Exhorder's debut, along with the unsubtle album cover, "certainly didn't help [its] cause any."<ref name="exhorder" />
In disagreement with the opinion that Exhorder is "Pantera minus the good songs", [[AllMusic]]'s review of ''Slaughter in the Vatican'' expresses that "perhaps a more accurate billing would be to call them Pantera without the major label backing."<ref name="exhorder" /> They also point to the fact that the title of Exhorder's debut, along with the unsubtle album cover, "certainly didn't help [its] cause any."<ref name="exhorder" />


Exhorder lead vocalist Kyle Thomas has stated that he does not care about any of the criticism and is sick of seeing Exhorder's name tied to Pantera's.<ref name="kylethomas" /> He also stated that he and some members of Pantera were friends (particularly the latter's lead singer [[Phil Anselmo]], who was a fan of Exhorder in their early days),<ref name="kylethomas" /><ref name="dimebagloss" /> and that he mourns the loss of Pantera guitarist [[Dimebag Darrell]].<ref name="dimebagloss" /> Thomas has suggested that while it is possible Pantera may have been influenced by his band, the members of Pantera "work[ed] a ... lot harder than [they] did."<ref name="kylethomas" /><ref name="Midwest Metal">{{cite web|title = Interview with Kyle Thomas|author=Dave Larmore |publisher=Midwest Metal Magazine |url=http://midwestmetalmagazine.com/interviewalabamathunder.html}}</ref>
Exhorder lead vocalist Kyle Thomas has stated that he does not care about any of the criticism and is sick of seeing Exhorder's name tied to Pantera's.<ref name="kylethomas" /> He also stated that he and some members of Pantera were friends (particularly the latter's lead singer [[Phil Anselmo]], who was a fan of Exhorder in their early days),<ref name="kylethomas" /><ref name="dimebagloss" /> and that he mourns the loss of Pantera guitarist [[Dimebag Darrell]].<ref name="dimebagloss" /> Thomas has suggested that while it is possible Pantera may have been influenced by his band, the members of Pantera "work[ed] a ... lot harder than [they] did."<ref name="kylethomas" /><ref name="Midwest Metal">{{cite web |title=Interview with Kyle Thomas |author=Dave Larmore |publisher=Midwest Metal Magazine |url=http://midwestmetalmagazine.com/interviewalabamathunder.html |access-date=April 22, 2007 |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105013210/http://midwestmetalmagazine.com/interviewalabamathunder.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Band members ==
== Band members ==
<gallery caption="Exhorder at Rockharz Open Air 2023">
{{col-begin}}
File:Exhorder Rockharz 2023 03.jpg|Kyle Thomas
{{col-2}}
File:Exhorder Rockharz 2023 07.jpg|[[Jason VieBrooks]]
File:Exhorder Rockharz 2023 11.jpg|Sasha Horn
File:Exhorder Rockharz 2023 04.jpg|[[Waldemar Sorychta]]
</gallery>

'''Current members'''
'''Current members'''
*Kyle Thomas – vocals {{small|(1985–1994, 2008–2011, 2017–present)}}, rhythm guitar {{small|(2022–present)}}
* Kyle Thomas – vocals {{small|(1985–1994, 2008–2011, 2017–present)}}, rhythm guitar {{small|(2022–present)}}
*[[Jason VieBrooks]] – bass {{small|(2017–present)}}
* [[Jason VieBrooks]] – bass {{small|(2017–present)}}
*Sasha Horn – drums {{small|(2017–present)}}
* Sasha Horn – drums {{small|(2017–present)}}
* [[Pat O'Brien (guitarist)|Pat O'Brien]] – lead guitar {{small|(2022–present)}}


;Touring members
;Touring members
* [[Pat O'Brien (guitarist)|Pat O'Brien]] – lead guitar {{small|(2022–2023)}}
* [[Waldemar Sorychta]] – lead guitar {{small|(2022–present; international dates)}}
* [[Waldemar Sorychta]] – lead guitar {{small|(2022–present - international dates)}}
* Apollo Xydias - lead guitar {{small|(2023–present; international dates)}}
* [[Ol Drake]] – lead guitar {{small|(2023–present)}}
* [[OL Drake|Ol Drake]] – lead guitar {{small|(2023)}}


'''Former members'''
'''Former members'''
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*[[Seth Davis (musician)|Seth Davis]] – drums {{small|(2010–2011)}}
*[[Seth Davis (musician)|Seth Davis]] – drums {{small|(2010–2011)}}
*Marzi Montazeri – rhythm guitar {{small|(2017–2022)}}, lead guitar {{small|(2020–2022)}}
*Marzi Montazeri – rhythm guitar {{small|(2017–2022)}}, lead guitar {{small|(2020–2022)}}
{{col-end}}


'''Timeline'''
'''Timeline'''
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Alignbars = justify
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/1985 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
Period = from:01/01/1985 till:12/31/2023 # it is best not to use auto-updating timelines as it can cause problems when the graphic updates on a daily basis
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom
Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom
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at:01/28/1992
at:01/28/1992
at:09/20/2019
at:09/20/2019
at:03/08/2024

color:dem
color:dem
at:09/15/1986
at:09/15/1986
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bar:Vinnie&nbsp;LaBella from:05/09/2008 till:05/28/2011 color:lg
bar:Vinnie&nbsp;LaBella from:05/09/2008 till:05/28/2011 color:lg
bar:Vinnie&nbsp;LaBella from:11/15/2017 till:02/23/2020 color:lg
bar:Vinnie&nbsp;LaBella from:11/15/2017 till:02/23/2020 color:lg
bar:Waldemar&nbsp;Sorchyta from:01/01/2023 till:end color:lg width:3
bar:Pat&nbsp;O'Brien from:05/26/2022 till:end color:lg
bar:David&nbsp;Main from:start till:06/30/1987 color:rg
bar:David&nbsp;Main from:start till:06/30/1987 color:rg
bar:Jay&nbsp;Ceravolo from:07/01/1987 till:08/01/1994 color:rg
bar:Jay&nbsp;Ceravolo from:07/01/1987 till:08/01/1994 color:rg
bar:Jay&nbsp;Ceravolo from:05/09/2008 till:05/28/2011 color:rg
bar:Jay&nbsp;Ceravolo from:05/09/2008 till:05/28/2011 color:rg
bar:Marzi&nbsp;Montazeri from:11/15/2017 till:02/14/2022 color:rg
bar:Marzi&nbsp;Montazeri from:11/15/2017 till:02/23/2020 color:rg
bar:Marzi&nbsp;Montazeri from:02/23/2020 till:02/14/2022 color:lg
bar:Andy&nbsp;Villafara from:start till:01/01/1989 color:b
bar:Andy&nbsp;Villafara from:start till:01/01/1989 color:b
bar:Andy&nbsp;Villafara from:05/09/2008 till:06/30/2010 color:b
bar:Andy&nbsp;Villafara from:05/09/2008 till:06/30/2010 color:b
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bar:Vinnie&nbsp;LaBella from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1991 color:b
bar:Vinnie&nbsp;LaBella from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1991 color:b
bar:Jay&nbsp;Ceravolo from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1991 color:b
bar:Jay&nbsp;Ceravolo from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/1991 color:b
bar:Marzi&nbsp;Montazeri from:02/23/2020 till:02/14/2022 color:lg
bar:Marzi&nbsp;Montazeri from:02/23/2020 till:02/14/2022 color:rg
}}
}}


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*''[[The Law (Exhorder album)|The Law]]'' (1992, Roadrunner Records)
*''[[The Law (Exhorder album)|The Law]]'' (1992, Roadrunner Records)
*''[[Mourn the Southern Skies]]'' (2019, [[Nuclear Blast|Nuclear Blast Records]])
*''[[Mourn the Southern Skies]]'' (2019, [[Nuclear Blast|Nuclear Blast Records]])
*''Defectum Omnium'' (2024, Nuclear Blast Records)


=== Live albums ===
=== Live albums ===
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[[Category:1985 establishments in Louisiana]]
[[Category:1985 establishments in Louisiana]]
[[Category:American groove metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American groove metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American musical quintets]]
[[Category:American thrash metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American thrash metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Louisiana]]
[[Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Louisiana]]
[[Category:Musical groups from New Orleans]]
[[Category:Musical groups from New Orleans]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical quartets]]

Latest revision as of 23:50, 25 November 2024

Exhorder
Exhorder performing at Turok Open Air in Germany, 2018. L–R: Jason VieBrooks, Kyle Thomas, Vinnie LaBella
Background information
OriginNew Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 1985–1994
  • 2008–2011
  • 2017–present
Labels
Members
Past members
  • Vinnie LaBella
  • David Main
  • Andy Villafarra
  • Chris Nail
  • Jay Ceravolo
  • Frankie Sparcello
  • Seth Davis
  • Marzi Montazeri
Websitewww.exhorder.com

Exhorder is an American heavy metal band from New Orleans, Louisiana. They are considered progenitors of the groove-oriented thrash sound later made famous by bands such as Pantera and Machine Head, and their music has been regarded as a large influence on the New Orleans metal scene. Initially active from 1985 to 1994 and reformed from 2008 to 2011, [1] Exhorder has since reformed in 2017. To date, the band has released four studio albums: Slaughter in the Vatican (1990), The Law (1992), Mourn the Southern Skies (2019) and Defectum Omnium (2024).

History

[edit]
From left to right: Vinnie Labella, Chris Nail, Kyle Thomas, Jay Ceravolo

Early years and split (1985–1994)

[edit]

Exhorder was formed in 1985 in New Orleans, Louisiana. After releasing several demos in the vein of pure thrash metal, they continued this sound with their debut studio album, Slaughter in the Vatican, released in 1990. They adapted more of a groove metal-oriented sound by their second album, The Law, released in 1992. The band broke up in 1994.

First reunion and hiatus (2008–2011)

[edit]

On May 9, 2008, the band had reunited and had begun writing new material.[2] As of that day, the band's official Myspace page contains the reunited group's lineup as well as the headline "writing new material for the return of Exhorder".[3] They played their first reunion show on November 14, 2009, at Southport Hall in Jefferson, Louisiana, followed by another less than a month later on December 12 at City Club in Houma, Louisiana, and a show with Crowbar at the Hangar in New Orleans on February 12, 2010. The lineup for all of these shows was the same as that of The Law album.

Drummer Seth Davis was on a clinic tour in 2010 when he was approached by the band. Davis filled in for original drummer Chris Nail, and toured with Exhorder from early 2010 to late 2011, performing classic songs from the band's two albums. On March 22, 2011, bassist Frankie Sparcello died of unknown causes.[4] In the interim and in order to fulfill three show dates already booked, the band recruited local bass virtuoso Jorge Caicedo to fill in at the last minute.[5] The band also played Maryland Deathfest on May 28. They then took a hiatus.

Second reunion and new releases (2017–present)

[edit]
Frontman Kyle Thomas, the band's sole consistent member

In November 2017, Exhorder ended their six-year hiatus with a newly formed line-up and signed a worldwide deal with All Independent Service Alliance. They announced a two-night event in Brooklyn, New York, for February 9 and 10, 2018, by performing the entire Slaughter in the Vatican and The Law albums respectively. The band also performed a homecoming show on February 12 in New Orleans. They were also planning summer festival appearances,[6] and would consider working on new material if the reunion shows went well.[7]

The band signed to Nuclear Blast in November 2018 and started work on a new album.[8]

In May 2019, Exhorder were announced as part of a tour for Kataklysm's "Meditations Over North America" tour in September, along with Krisiun and Hatchet.[9] In July 2019, the band announced their third album, titled Mourn the Southern Skies, which was released on September 20, 2019. The first single, "My Time", was made available for streaming.[10] Exhorder supported the album by supporting Overkill on their Wings of War tour in North America.[11] The band toured with Overkill again during the spring and summer of 2023.[12][13]

Founding guitarist Vinnie LaBella parted ways with the band in February 2020, leaving vocalist Kyle Thomas as the remaining founding member.[14] Instead of replacing LaBella, Exhorder has since continued on as a four-piece, with Thomas handling rhythm guitar duties.[15] On February 14, 2022, guitarist Marzi Montazeri announced that he was quitting the band.[16] He was replaced by Pat O'Brien.[17]

By 2022, Exhorder had been working on new material for their fourth studio album.[18][19] The resulting album, Defectum Omnium, was released on March 8, 2024.[20]

Comparisons with Pantera

[edit]

There has been controversy amongst Pantera's and Exhorder's fans over similarities between both bands' sounds,[21][22][23] fueled by the success of Pantera and the obscurity of Exhorder.[21][22]

In disagreement with the opinion that Exhorder is "Pantera minus the good songs", AllMusic's review of Slaughter in the Vatican expresses that "perhaps a more accurate billing would be to call them Pantera without the major label backing."[21] They also point to the fact that the title of Exhorder's debut, along with the unsubtle album cover, "certainly didn't help [its] cause any."[21]

Exhorder lead vocalist Kyle Thomas has stated that he does not care about any of the criticism and is sick of seeing Exhorder's name tied to Pantera's.[22] He also stated that he and some members of Pantera were friends (particularly the latter's lead singer Phil Anselmo, who was a fan of Exhorder in their early days),[22][23] and that he mourns the loss of Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell.[23] Thomas has suggested that while it is possible Pantera may have been influenced by his band, the members of Pantera "work[ed] a ... lot harder than [they] did."[22][24]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

  • Kyle Thomas – vocals (1985–1994, 2008–2011, 2017–present), rhythm guitar (2022–present)
  • Jason VieBrooks – bass (2017–present)
  • Sasha Horn – drums (2017–present)
  • Pat O'Brien – lead guitar (2022–present)
Touring members
  • Waldemar Sorychta – lead guitar (2022–present; international dates)
  • Apollo Xydias - lead guitar (2023–present; international dates)
  • Ol Drake – lead guitar (2023)

Former members

  • Vinnie LaBella – lead guitar (1985–1994, 2008–2011, 2017–2020), bass (1989–1991)
  • Chris Nail – drums (1985–1994, 2008–2010)
  • Andy Villafarra – bass (1985–1989, 2008–2010, 2011)
  • David Main – rhythm guitar (1985–1987)
  • Jay Ceravolo – rhythm guitar (1987–1994, 2008–2011), bass (1989–1991)
  • Frankie Sparcello – bass (1991–1994, 2010–2011)
  • Seth Davis – drums (2010–2011)
  • Marzi Montazeri – rhythm guitar (2017–2022), lead guitar (2020–2022)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

Live albums

[edit]
  • Live Death (1994, Roadrunner Records)

Demos

[edit]
  • Get Rude (1986, self-released)
  • Slaughter in the Vatican (1987, self-released)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Exhorder history and biography". metallian metal encyclopedia. January 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  2. ^ "Reunited EXHORDER Working On New Material". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Archived from the original on May 12, 2008.
  3. ^ MySpace.com – Exhorder – Kenner/Metairie/New Orleans, Louisiana – Metal / Death Metal / Thrash – www.myspace.com/exhordernola
  4. ^ Blabbermouth.net. "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – EXHORDER Bassist Dies". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on March 26, 2011.
  5. ^ H, Emily. "Exhorder Hires Talented Bassist Jorge Caicedo". metalunderground.com. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  6. ^ "EXHORDER Is Back! New Lineup, Shows Announced". Blabbermouth.net. November 15, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2017.
  7. ^ "EXHORDER Reformation 'Will Be Amazing,' Says KYLE THOMAS". Blabbermouth.net. December 6, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
  8. ^ "EXHORDER Signs With NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS". Blabbermouth.net. November 20, 2018. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  9. ^ "KATAKLYSM To Tour North America With EXHORDER, KRISIUN And HATCHET". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  10. ^ "EXHORDER To Release 'Mourn The Southern Skies' Album In September; 'My Time' Single Now Available". Blabbermouth.net. July 12, 2019. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
  11. ^ "OVERKILL Announces 'Wings Over USA' 2020 Tour With EXHORDER". Blabbermouth.net. December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  12. ^ "OVERKILL Confirm EXHORDER and HEATHEN as Support for Scorching the Earth European Tour 2023".
  13. ^ "OVERKILL Announces July 2023 U.S. Tour with EXHORDER and HEATHEN". June 6, 2023.
  14. ^ "EXHORDER Parts Ways With Founding Guitarist VINNIE LABELLA". Blabbermouth.net. February 23, 2020. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  15. ^ "Founding EXHORDER Guitarist Says He Wrote 95% Of Group's Music, Claims His Former Bandmates Are Still Not Playing Old Songs Correctly". Blabbermouth.net. March 3, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  16. ^ "Guitarist MARZI MONTAZERI Quits EXHORDER". Blabbermouth.net. February 14, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  17. ^ "Exhorder - Pat O'Brien joins the band". metalstorm.net. February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  18. ^ "EXHORDER Is Working On 'Amazing' New Album". Blabbermouth.net. February 28, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  19. ^ "EXHORDER's KYLE THOMAS: 'We've Been In Pre-Production' For Next Album 'For Quite Some Time'". Blabbermouth.net. December 26, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
  20. ^ "EXHORDER Announces New Album 'Defectum Omnium', Shares 'Year Of The Goat' Music Video". Blabbermouth.net. January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  21. ^ a b c d "Slaughter in the Vatican review". Allmusic. Retrieved October 21, 2005.
  22. ^ a b c d e "Kyle Thomas Speaks Out on the Pantera/Exhorder 'Feud'". Blistering. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved November 5, 2005.
  23. ^ a b c "Former EXHORDER Frontman: We 'Lost An Innovator, A Warrior, And A Metal Nicolas Cage'". Blabbermouth.net. December 12, 2004. Retrieved November 5, 2005.
  24. ^ Dave Larmore. "Interview with Kyle Thomas". Midwest Metal Magazine. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2007.
[edit]
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