EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt has shed light on the recent dismissal of vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza, marking the singer’s second departure from the band.
EXODUS announced that Rob Dukes will be replacing Souza on January 15, with the following statement on their social media: “EXODUS have parted ways with Steve “Zetro” Souza. We thank Steve for his years fronting the band and all the killer music we made during that time. We wish him only the best in the future and much success with anything he does.
“And please help us welcome Rob Dukes back to EXODUS! We are beyond stoked to have Rob back ripping up the stage with us and he’s looking forward to crushing everything like only he can.
“Next chapter begins, new record rolls along as planned and the beatings will continue.”
When a fan on Instagram asked why Zetro was “let go” this time, Gary responded (via Blabbermouth): “If I told you you’d understand. I’ve no desire to talk badly about him. It’s a marriage, being in a band. Behind closed doors, the marriage was done and over”.
In a recent Instagram post, Souza shared a photo alongside TESTAMENT‘s Chuck Billy, after being quiet regarding departure from EXODUS. When asked in the comment section about his exit from EXODUS, he revealed that he did not leave the band voluntarily but was instead let go.
“It was a complete shock you left EXODUS Zetro , your voice is what made the band,” to which Zetro responded, “I did not leave , I was let go !! EXODUS parted ways with Zetro“.
Dukes joined EXODUS in January 2005 and contributed to four of the band’s studio albums: Shovel Headed Kill Machine (2005), The Atrocity Exhibition… Exhibit A (2007), Let There Be Blood (2008—a re-recording of their classic 1985 album Bonded By Blood), and Exhibit B: The Human Condition (2010).
In June 2014, the thrash metal icons announced Dukes‘ departure and the return of his predecessor, Steve “Zetro” Souza, who had previously served as EXODUS‘s frontman from 1986 to 1993 and again from 2002 to 2004.
EXODUS released their latest studio album, Persona Non Grata, in November 2021.
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