Photo: Wacken 2008
After announcing in a press release earlier this month a new line-up for Exodus with not many comments the band’s guitarist Gary Holt left room for many interpretations and Internet rumors:
EXODUS – the originators of the thrash metal genre – return to their roots. As announced yesterday via Loudwire, EXODUS proudly welcomes the return of frontman Steve “Zetro” Souza in the wake of former vocalist Rob Dukes’ amicable departure. Souza originally fronted EXODUS from 1986-1993, and again from 2002-2004, donning the mic on classic records like Pleasures of the Flesh, Fabulous Disaster, Impact is Imminent, Good Friendly Violent Fun, and Force of Habit. Souza also appeared on 2004’s Tempo of the Damned.
In a statement, guitarist Gary Holt says, “As a band, we all had to make a very difficult choice to part ways with Rob Dukes. We have nothing but love and admiration for him and the deepest gratitude for the hard work he has put in and the great work on some killer records. But at this time, Tom, Lee, Jack and myself thought a change was necessary and the unanimous choice going forward was to welcome back Steve Souza to the fold!”
Returning vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza adds, “I spent a great part of my life with EXODUS, that blood flows through me, even not being in the band for the past 10 years, you can’t erase that chemistry. I’m very excited!”Exodus Webpage
Photo: Wacken 2008
Rob Dukes, Exodus’ vocalist since 2005 gives and exclusive interview to the Australian – Blood Sweat and Metal and sheds a bit more light on how the change in the band came about.
According to Blabbermouth Holt declared that the sudden change in line-up
“isn’t for the money [and] Chuck did not orchestrate this”. “There were issues behind the scenes and we came to a conclusion.” The guitarist, however, refused to go into the details of EXODUS’ decision to part ways with Dukes, explaining: “All will remain internal, I see no need to air the laundry for anyone.”Blabbermouth
Read more on Blabbermouth.
