Exodus Guitarist Gary Holt Discusses Band’s Future and Lineup Changes
Upcoming Releases
During a recent European tour stop in Novi Sad, Exodus guitarist Gary Holt shared insights about the band’s future with Serbian journalist Jadranka Janković Nešić. The band has wrapped up recording 18 tracks, set to be released across two separate albums, following their 2021 record, Persona Non Grata.
A Strategic Approach to New Music
Holt explained the decision to produce two albums instead of one. “It’s going to be released as two totally separate records,” he stated (via Blabbermouth). “But we kept writing and kept writing and we had so much material that we just thought, let’s work extra hard, so when it’s time to start thinking about a new album, we could relax a little bit.” He expressed a desire for more time off, humorously lamenting, “I wish we had 20 songs done instead of 18, ’cause then we would have the next album done, and then I could go on vacation or something. I’ve never had one.”
Quality Over Quantity
Fans need not worry about the quality of the new tracks. “They’re all great,” Holt assured. “There are 18 songs, and they’re all totally awesome. It’s hard to pick which ones will end up on the first new album.” This meticulous approach aims to ensure the band can work less in the future while still delivering high-quality music.
Musical Direction
Holt emphasized that the new material would encapsulate the full spectrum of the Exodus sound while also venturing into new territory. “It’s 100 percent Exodus and at times 100 percent different,” he remarked. “There are some surprises on it. It’s super heavy, with moments that are so fast and others that are super slow. Just satanic, evil as fuck.”
The Album Format: A Commitment
Exodus remains steadfast in their dedication to the album format. “We write albums. We’ve never concerned ourselves with singles,” Holt explained. This commitment allows for creative freedom, leading to songs that can stretch as long as they need to be—whether that’s three minutes or eleven.
Lineup Changes: The Return of Rob Dukes
One notable change in the band’s lineup is the return of vocalist Rob Dukes, who replaces Steve “Zetro” Souza. Holt clarified that the decision was about maintaining the band’s mental and emotional health rather than any animosity. “There’s no bad blood,” he stated. “He was not happy. He was very unhappy… it’s bringing everybody’s spirits down.” While Souza was a fantastic performer, Holt recognized that the backstage dynamics were vital to the band’s overall happiness.
The Familiarity Factor
For Holt, bringing Dukes back was less about nostalgia and more about comfort and familiarity. “I’m set in my ways,” he confessed. “I don’t like change. So changing singers was never in my future plans.” The thought of finding a new vocalist who might not mesh well with the existing band dynamic was not appealing.
A Rich History
Souza’s tenure with Exodus has been marked by significant milestones, having first joined in 1986. He returned twice, in 2002 and 2014, while Dukes originally led the band from 2005 to 2014. This ongoing cycle reflects the band’s evolution while also honoring their legacy.
Conclusion
As Exodus looks to the future, the band is poised to deliver new music that not only honors their legacy but also pushes their sound into uncharted territory. With the return of Rob Dukes and a wealth of material ready for release, fans can anticipate an exciting new chapter in the band’s history.
FAQs
What can fans expect from the upcoming Exodus albums?
Fans can expect two separate releases featuring a total of 18 tracks that explore both familiar and new elements of the Exodus sound.
Why was Steve Souza dismissed from the band?
Steve “Zetro” Souza’s departure was not due to any negative feelings but rather a desire to maintain a positive atmosphere within the band, as he was reportedly unhappy backstage.
Who has replaced Steve Souza in Exodus?
Rob Dukes has returned to the band as the lead vocalist, having previously fronted Exodus from 2005 to 2014.
What is the band’s approach to songwriting?
Exodus prioritizes writing full albums rather than focusing on singles, allowing them the freedom to create longer tracks as needed.
How does Gary Holt feel about taking breaks?
Holt acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and personal life and expresses a desire to take a vacation, something he has never fully experienced.
