Rob Dukes has opened up about the creative dynamics within Exodus. He revealed how guitarist Gary Holt takes the lead in the band’s songwriting and recording process, in an interview with Rebel Radio 92.5 FM.
The vocalist detailed the collaborative process behind their upcoming record. He explained how Holt guides both the musical and vocal direction of the band.
“We did most of the record already, so it’s mostly all done,” Dukes said. “A lot of times Gary [Holt, Exodus guitarist and main songwriter] writes the lyrics too.”
Dukes explained his own contribution to the lyrical content. He described how the creative process unfolds between him and Holt.
“I wrote the lyrics for three or four of the songs on the record, which was a huge honor,” he continued. “So I’m working on the ones that I wrote [the lyrics for]… Sometimes Gary will say, ‘Well, here’s the lyrics. Go ahead and see what you could do with it.’ And then if it doesn’t match his melody that he came up with, then we’ll just make the changes on the fly and do it.”
The singer also revealed how Holt provides vocal guidance during the recording process.
“Sometimes Gary will actually do a vocal scratch, so I can see how he wants it placed in the verse or the chorus or whatever,” Dukes explained. “And then we just listen to it and then sometimes we’ll make little changes.”
Dukes shared details about his current work on the album from Nashville. He is putting finishing touches on the record there.
“That’s what I’m doing here. I’m in Nashville right now. I just got home from Europe for a little over a month,” he said. “And now I’m in Nashville with [producer] Mark Lewis. And I am doing two songs that need to be finished, and then I’m doing like little fixes of the whole record. Like I’ll punch in and go, ‘Oh, I think I can sing that part better. Let me do that again.’ And there’s a few of those.”
The vocalist concluded by describing his approach to finding the right vocal style for each song.
“Actually, it’s a lot less than I thought. We listened to it last night and we were, like, ‘Nah, I think that one works, man,'” Dukes noted. “I said, ‘I can try to do it better, but I think that works the best.’ Sometimes I’ll use a different voice. I have three or four different vocal ranges, and I’ll try one, and if it doesn’t work, I’ll try another and see which one works. And usually it’s a feel thing.”
Holt’s commanding role in Exodus’s creative process reflects his deep-rooted connection to the band. It also shows his extensive experience in the thrash metal scene.
Osiamo reported that Holt has been the only continuous member of Exodus since the band’s formation in 1981. He established himself as the driving force behind the group’s musical direction. His leadership extends beyond just songwriting. He has appeared on all 15 Exodus albums throughout the band’s four-decade career. This makes him the definitive voice of the group’s sound and vision.
Holt’s influence in the metal community extends far beyond Exodus. Wikipedia documented his significant contribution to Slayer. He stepped in as a touring and recording guitarist following Jeff Hanneman’s illness and subsequent passing in 2013. This dual role showcased Holt’s versatility. It cemented his reputation as one of thrash metal’s most reliable and skilled musicians.
The guitarist’s approach to mentoring vocalists like Dukes stems from his comprehensive understanding of song structure and arrangement. Big Takeover detailed Holt’s journey from garage band origins to Madison Square Garden performances. This experience has given him invaluable insight into what works in both studio and live settings. It explains his hands-on approach to vocal direction.
Holt’s meticulous attention to detail in the creative process reflects his commitment to maintaining Exodus’s legacy. He continues to evolve the band’s sound at the same time. His willingness to provide vocal scratches and guide singers through melody placement demonstrates the collaborative yet authoritative leadership style. This approach has kept Exodus relevant in the ever-changing metal landscape for over four decades.
The new Exodus record appears to be nearing completion with Dukes currently finalizing the remaining vocal work.
