Exodus have announced that they’ve once again split with longtime vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza, and they’re bringing in a familiar face as his replacement: their previous frontman, Rob Dukes.
The thrash vets announced the lineup change today (January 15th) over social media, confirming that Souza – who initially sang with the band from 1986 to 1992, then again in the early Aughts, and most recently from 2014 to now – has made his exodus from the group a third time.
“We thank Steve for his years fronting the band and all the killer music we made during that time,” the band wrote, adding, “We wish him only the best in the future and much success with anything he does.”
They added of Dukes assuming the frontman role again: “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.”
Dukes’ original tenure with Exodus began in 2004, following Souza’s departure, though he’d met the group in the Nineties. He made four studio albums with the band between 2005 and 2010, last singing on that year’s Exhibit B: The Human Condition.
As for the next much-anticipated Exodus record, guitarist Gary Holt previously explained that the band were to hit the studio to follow-up 2021’s Persona Non Grata back in the summer, but those plans were shelved.
The band added, however, that their “next chapter” begins now, stating that they’re still working on new material and that “the beatings will continue.”