Formed in the late '80s out of a common interest in speed and doom metal, Exhorder helped shape the "Louisiana sound," a common sound shared between many metal bands from the state. By crafting chugging, tight riffs with a rigid structure, Exhorder made quite the local impression with 1990's Slaughter in the Vatican. Although dismissed by some because of the title and front cover, the album paved the way for Pantera's Cowboys From Hell and helped turn the thrash genre into a new direction. 1992's The Law did not have the same effect, and the band eventually split because of the direction vocalist Kyle Thomas wanted to take the music. He went on to form Floodgate with his brother, while guitarist Jay Ceravolo formed Fall From Grace. ~ Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide