Exodus is widely considered one of the most influential thrash metal bands since its inception in 1979. Kirk Hammet was one of the original members of Exodus before leaving the band in 1983 to found Metallica. Both Metallica and Exodus are considered among the "Big Eight Thrash Metal Bands" alongside Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Overkill, and Death Angel. The band broke up in 1993, reunited briefly between 1997-1998, and then reunited permanently in 2001. Since then the band has released several studio albums and toured extensively.