Metal? At the Boardwalk?

The ’80s produced much more than A Flock of Seagulls, Spandau Ballet and Kajagoogoo. The Bay Area’s then-burgeoning thrash-metal scene released such heavyweights as Metallica, Megadeth and Testament on an unsuspecting public, but lesser-known bands like Exodus were the real cream of the crop. The band’s first record, Bonded By Blood, is considered a desert-island disc by the most discerning metal aficionados. While Exodus has endured countless lineup changes, the death of its original lead vocalist and multiple drug problems, the band’s releases have always been one step ahead of the metal curve. Guitarist Gary Holt is the only original member these days, but he’s backed by ex-Slayer skins man Paul Bostaph and Lee Altus of Heathen. They’re touring in support of Shovel Headed Kill Machine, an album that echoes the band’s short-lived Capitol Records years. Exodus plays an all-ages show at the Boardwalk, located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, on Wednesday with Three Inches Of Blood, Crisis, Watch Them Die and Irritant. Advance tickets are $20, and the music starts at 8:30 p.m. Missing this show wouldn’t be good for your health.