Although I haven't loved every single thing I've ever heard by Thomas, I think I've heard more that I've liked (often quite a bit!!), than I've heard that I've found lacking.
I don't have "Exile's Gate", so I can't comment on it specifically, but it looks pretty good on paper. I have a couple Thomas CD's that I really love, and sometime's he's really a monster. When he's a sideman on a date, I usually take notice.
How much they askin'?? $9 or less, I'd say get it. Over $9 - it's your call.
My two favorite Thomas albums (with him as the leader) are...
Pariah's Pariah (Winter & Winter, 1999)
and
Found on Sordid Streets (Winter & Winter, 1998)
Hey, Comrad, if you buy it and don't like it - I'll probably trade ya something for it - how's that sound?