As the band played more shows in regional clubs, they gained a large

As the band played more shows in regional clubs, they gained a large, fervent fanbase known for their violent concert behavior. In November 1982, Exodus opened for Metallica at the Old Waldorf venue in San Francisco, and it was there that the latter first met Hammett. In April 1983, Hammett left Exodus to replace Dave Mustaine in Metallica on the recommendation of producer and then-manager Mark Whitaker , leaving Holt to effectively take creative control of the band. Hammett was replaced temporarily by Mike Maung, followed by Evan McCaskey , before the band finally found a permanent replacement in guitarist Rick Hunolt. Jeff Andrews also left to start an early incarnation of pioneering death metal band Possessed , and was replaced by bass guitarist Rob McKillop. Throughout 1983, mainly played shows in San Francisco and Berkeley opening for bands such as Murder, Outrage and Raven .