Unbelievable Reunion: ROB DUKES’ Emotional Return to EXODUS Shocks the Metal World!
Rob Dukes, former lead vocalist of EXODUS, expressed his surprise at being invited back to the band after a decade-long absence. Last month, EXODUS announced Dukes’ return following their split with long-term singer Steve “Zetro” Souza. Dukes had initially joined the band in 2005 after Souza’s departure and remained until 2014, when Souza rejoined. The decision for Dukes’ return came after individual conversations with band members Lee Altus, Gary Holt, and Tom Hunting, who gauged his interest and availability.
Adjusting to this new opportunity, Dukes explained he needed to pause his current career as a car builder and welder. Supported by his colleagues, he embraced the chance to rejoin EXODUS and contribute to their upcoming studio album—his first in 15 years with the band. While the album’s release isn’t expected before 2026, the band is actively working on new material. Dukes describes it as fast-paced thrash metal, true to EXODUS’ signature style.
Amidst the transition, Dukes is also preparing for EXODUS’s touring schedule, which includes “Bonded By Blood” 40th-anniversary shows and a U.S. tour kicking off on April 5th in Philadelphia at the Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Festival. Despite being the “new guy” once again, Dukes conveys excitement about the camaraderie and creative atmosphere within the band.
Meanwhile, EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt emphasized the importance of taking time to craft an album that lives up to their high standards, following the acclaimed 2021 release “Persona Non Grata.” Holt praised the band’s history of dynamic frontmen, noting that each brought their unique flair without altering the core songwriting process. Reflecting on their influential legacy, EXODUS, while not always included in the “Big Four” of thrash metal, continues to inspire contemporaries with their pioneering sound laid down by albums like “Bonded By Blood.”
Original Story https://blabbermouth.net/news/rob-dukes-was-as-surprised-as-everyone-else-when-he-got-the-call-to-rejoin-exodus
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