Former Exodus vocalist Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza discussed Rob Dukes rejoining the band in an interview with Zetro’s Toxic Vault.
“I look at it now as, what about all you guys that are big fans of Rob’s [Dukes] era? Just think — now you get to come back and see Rob maybe for the next 10 years and see him continue on,” Souza said.
“So if you were fans of his era, like you were fans of my era, or both eras — I know there’s some of you [that are] ‘I’m [Team] Zetro’ or ‘I’m [Team] Rob’, or whatever, ‘I’m cool with whatever Exodus does,’ I get it,” he continued. “And I totally understand that, and I respect every one of you for those things. But now maybe for the last part of the band, they get to enjoy Rob and Rob’s era of the band.”
“I mean, Gary’s gonna continue to write music and record music. And Gary Holt doesn’t know how to write a shitty riff,” Souza added. “Okay? So you Exodus fans know what you’re gonna get from that, and that’s what I have to say.”
The recent lineup change represents another significant chapter in Exodus’s storied history of vocal transitions.
Records from Wikipedia show Souza’s extensive history with Exodus began in 1986 when he stepped in for Paul Baloff. His tenure with the band included two additional periods: 2002 to 2004 and 2014 until his departure in 2025.
Rob Dukes’ return has energized the metal community. His previous contributions helped solidify the band’s position among thrash metal’s most influential acts.
The band has started work on new material. A new album featuring Dukes on vocals is scheduled for release in 2026. This project will mark the first collaboration between Dukes and guitarist Gary Holt since their earlier work together.
The transition creates a full-circle moment for both vocalists. Souza has gracefully acknowledged the significance of Dukes’ return and the band’s continuing evolution.
