In a move that shook the metal world but surprised few insiders, EXODUS has officially brought back former frontman Rob Dukes, marking the end—again—for longtime vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza. In a no-holds-barred interview with Full Metal Jackie, guitarist Gary Holt shared the story behind the split and why rekindling the fire with Dukes made perfect sense.
“No one foresaw lineup changes,” Holt said candidly. “But we hit a crossroads. Things weren’t lining up the way they needed to.” And in classic Holt fashion, he threw humor into the heavy: “I’m 60. I don’t wanna meet new people. Rob’s one of my best friends—we talk all the time.”
With Souza’s exit shrouded in mystery and the band keeping it tight-lipped, Holt likened the split to a failed marriage. “Just ‘cause you see a couple smiling in public doesn’t mean things aren’t breaking down behind closed doors,” he explained. “There’s no hate. The marriage didn’t work anymore.”
Dukes, who fronted EXODUS from 2005 to 2014 and recorded four albums with them, was just as surprised as fans when the offer came. “It came out of nowhere,” he told Mark Strigl. “I had to put my life as a welder and car builder on hold, but everyone around me said, ‘Go do it. You only live once.’”
While some speculate Souza’s departure had to do with his new marriage or burnout from the road, Holt insists the reason was much simpler: “If you don’t love touring anymore, we can’t make a living. That’s what it came down to.”
But it’s not just about nostalgia. With Dukes back in the fold, EXODUS is currently recording two full albums, eyeing a 2026 release. “Rob’s vocals on these new songs are going to blow people’s minds,” Holt promised.
For EXODUS, it’s not just a reunion—it’s a rebirth.
