EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt has expressed overwhelming enthusiasm about the current state of the Bay Area thrash legends in a wide-ranging new interview, declaring that "right now the energy and the vibe in this band is remarkable." With "Goliath" -- their first album featuring vocalist Rob Dukes since 2010's "Exhibit B: The Human Condition" -- arriving March 20 via Napalm Records, Holt says the creative chemistry within the band has never been stronger.
The return of Dukes has injected fresh momentum into the EXODUS camp. After parting ways with Steve "Zetro" Souza in early 2025, the band turned to Dukes, who originally fronted EXODUS from 2005 through 2014, delivering the savage "Shovel Headed Kill Machine," "The Atrocity Exhibition: Exhibit A," and "Exhibit B" during his first tenure. Dukes's reunion with the band at the 2025 Decibel Metal & Beer Fest in Philadelphia proved to fans and band members alike that the chemistry remained undeniable.
Holt praised the contributions of every band member -- including drummer Tom Hunting, bassist Jack Gibson, and fellow guitarist Lee Altus -- and described the writing process for "Goliath" as organic and deeply collaborative. Guest appearances from Peter Tagtgren of HYPOCRISY and PAIN fame, alongside violinist Katie Jacoby, have added unexpected textures to what Holt describes as their most diverse and anthemic collection of songs to date.
The guitarist also previewed the upcoming European tour alongside KREATOR, CARCASS, and NAILS, launching March 20 in Lisbon -- the same day "Goliath" drops -- calling it "going to be insane." For thrash metal fans, the convergence of EXODUS's strongest album in years with one of the most formidable touring packages on the calendar makes spring 2026 an unmissable season. Holt himself summed it up with characteristic candor: "This record makes me wanna cry, it's so good."