As the vocalist and guitarist of New Orleans metal institution Exhorder, Kyle Thomas has spent decades watching heavy music evolve, disappear, reinvent itself, and occasionally come back around. Exhorder’s own history mirrors that trajectory: from the raw aggression of Slaughter in the Vatican and The Law, through years of inactivity, to the band’s return and a new chapter of music that refuses to simply recreate the past.
Now, with Exhorder continuing to tour heavily and work on new material, Thomas is also juggling another major chapter in his musical life. Trouble is recording a new album, and Alabama Thunderpussy remains a possibility whenever the schedule allows. In a wide-ranging conversation, Thomas discusses the realities of keeping multiple bands moving, the challenges of maintaining a lineup, why younger musicians are embracing analog recording, his skepticism toward AI-generated art, the changing meaning of “groove metal,” paranormal experiences, and the surprisingly minimalist guitar rig behind his sound.
Most of all, Thomas argues for evolution. For him, a band’s history matters—but so does its willingness to grow beyond it.
EXHORDER Live:
09/25 Dunbar, WV – Live At The Shop
w/ Intoxicated:
09/26 Lafayette, IN – North End Pub
09/27 Toledo, OH – Frankie’s
09/28 Milwaukee, WI – X-Ray Arcade
09/29 Chicago, IL – Live Wire
w/ Intoxicated, No/Más:
09/30 St. Louis, MO – Red Flag
w/ Intoxicated, No/Más. Phantom:
10/01 Tulsa, OK – The Shrine
10/02 Haltom City, TX – Haltom Theater
10/03 McAllen, TX – Cine El Rey
10/04 Austin, TX – BSC
10/05 Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
10/07 Mesa, AZ – Nile Underground
10/09 Los Angeles, CA – First Street Billiards (feat. Parabellum)
10/10 Sacramento, CA – Boardwalk
10/13 Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
10/14 Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep
10/15 Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge
10/16 Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
10/18 Evansville, IN – Ray Leo’s
Categories: Interviews
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