Exodus , veterans of the world thrash metal scene, announced the departure of vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza and the return of Rob Dukes to the band. The announcement was made on the band's social media on January 15, 2025. Check out the post on Exodus' Instagram (free translation);
“Exodus has parted ways with Steve 'Zetro' Souza. We thank Steve for the years he spent leading the band and for all the incredible music we created together during that time. We wish him all the best for the future and much success in whatever he does.”
The statement continued: “And please help us welcome Rob Dukes back to Exodus! We are extremely excited to have Rob back tearing up the stage with us, and he’s eager to smash everything like only he knows how. The next chapter begins, the new album is on track, and the bangers will keep coming. See you soon, Exodus.”
The story of Rob Dukes and Steve “Zeto” Souza in Exodus.
It is worth noting that both vocalists were part of the band at different times. Rob Dukes joined Exodus in January 2005 and it was during this period that he recorded four studio albums: Shovel Headed Kill Machine (2005), The Atrocity Exhibition… Exhibit A (2007), Let There Be Blood (2008, a re-recording of the classic Bonded By Blood from 1985) and Exhibit B: The Human Condition (2010).
A few years later, in June 2014, the band announced his departure from Dukes and the return of Steve “Zetro” Souza. He had previously been the vocalist for Exodus between 1986 and 1993 and from 2002 to 2004. In 2017, Rob participated in a special Exodus show in San Francisco. On that occasion, he thanked everyone for the opportunities he had had and expressed excitement for this new chapter with the band.
Rob Dukes currently lives in Arizona. There, he works as a mechanic specializing in car restoration.
Rob Dukes' statements
After a few years of his departure, Dukes opened up about his relationship with Exodus in a 2022 interview. He reported that it took him a year to overcome his anger, especially due to the emotional impact of the moment, as he had recently gotten married and moved. After a conversation with Gary Holt at a band meetup in San Francisco in 2017, the situation between them improved.
Regarding the 2014 Blood In Blood Out Andy Sneap as producer. He also added that although he tried his best, he felt the result could have been better. Finally, about his dismissal, Rob said: "It was devastating, but I understood it was just business."
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