Shortly after 1987, thrash metal had firmly cemented itself as one of the most dominant forces in the heavy metal scene. Landmark albums like METALLICA’s Master of Puppets, MEGADETH’s Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?, SLAYER’s Reign in Blood, and ANTHRAX’s Among the Living had all taken the genre to new heights.
But back in the early days, even some of the musicians who would come to define thrash were still figuring it out for themselves—including then-future EXODUS guitarist Rick Hunolt.
In a recent interview with the Talk Louder Podcast, Hunolt recalled his introduction to the world of thrash, which started not as a band member—but as an audience member who had no idea what he was walking into.
“I had never met Kirk Hammett,” Hunolt admitted, referring to EXODUS‘ original guitarist.
“I had never heard of Metallica. I had never heard of Exodus. I got a call from Exodus’s manager at the time, he is a really good friend of mine from Berkeley named Adam Siegen; he called me up because he knew I played guitar.”(Transcribed by Ultimate Guitar)
Hunolt wasn’t in a band at the time, but was known among friends for his guitar skills and commitment. That connection led to a favor—and an unforgettable night.
“He knew I was really committed and I was really into it, but I wasn’t in a band. He called me up one day and he goes, ‘Dude, a band that I’m managing right now needs a couple of cabinets, Marshall cabinets, to borrow for this show at the Keystone Berkeley.’ And I wasn’t even 21 years old. I don’t think I was even old enough to get into Keystone Berkeley, to tell you the truth.”
Despite the age barrier, Hunolt and Siegen worked out a deal: Hunolt would lend his gear, and in return, he’d get to check out the show and meet the band. What followed was his first real taste of thrash metal—in the flesh.
“I said, ‘Yeah, sure, dude.’ Just make sure I can get in the show and check it out and meet the guys or whatever.’ ‘No problem.’ ‘I’ll deliver them whenever you need them.’ Because Berkeley, Keystone is literally a mile from my house. And Adam was a great friend.”
“So I did that, hung out with the guys, watched the show, and I was just like…I had never heard music this fast. I was just like, ‘Whoa. This is, like, punk rockers with long hair. Holy sh-t!'”
That show left Hunolt reeling—but the surprises didn’t end there. Just two days later, another phone call from Siegen would change his life.
“And then two days later, after that show’s over and done, I’m sitting at home or whatever. And I get a call from Adam again, and he goes, ‘Dude, how would you like to go jam with those guys, Exodus?’ I’m like, ‘Well, really? And I’m like, ‘Why not?!'”
From Gear Lender to Guitar Legend
That jam session eventually led to Rick Hunolt officially joining EXODUS in 1983, replacing Kirk Hammett, who had famously departed to join METALLICA. It marked the beginning of a decade-long run with the band during one of the most explosive eras in metal.
Hunolt would remain with EXODUS until 1993, then rejoin for stints between 1997–1998 and 2001–2005. His signature guitar style and stage presence helped define the band’s sound across multiple albums and lineups.
Thrash Metal in Its Infancy
What’s fascinating about Hunolt’s story is how it captures a moment in time—before thrash became a household genre among metalheads. Back then, even the musicians weren’t sure what they were creating. It was fast, aggressive, and full of raw energy—equal parts metal and punk.
EXODUS, often cited as one of the genre’s true pioneers, was right in the thick of it. And for Hunolt, it was a crash course in speed, precision, and sheer sonic force.
His description of his first thrash concert—“punk rockers with long hair”—perfectly sums up the chaotic and genre-blurring energy that defined early thrash.
