In a surprising turn of events, Exodus has officially parted ways with their longstanding frontman, Steve “Zetro” Souza. The band announced this significant change through a heartfelt post on social media today, January 15, revealing that former lead vocalist Rob Dukes will be making a triumphant return to the group. This marks a new chapter in the band’s storied history, as they look forward to reinvigorating their sound and live performances.

The band expressed their gratitude towards Souza, stating, “Exodus have parted ways with Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza. We thank Steve for his years fronting the band and all the killer music we made during that time. We wish him only the best in the future and much success with anything he does.” The sentiment reflects the band’s appreciation for Souza’s contributions to their legacy.

Excitement is palpable as they welcomed Dukes back to the fold, saying, “And please help us welcome Rob Dukes back to Exodus! 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. Next chapter begins, new record rolls along as planned and the beatings will continue.” This enthusiasm hints at a promising future for Exodus as they prepare for the next phase of their musical journey.

For those interested, you can check out the full post shared by the band below.

Steve Souza initially joined Exodus in 1986 after previously fronting the band Legacy, which eventually transformed into Testament. Before Souza’s tenure, the group had seen performances from vocalists Keith Stewart and Paul Baloff. The first Exodus album featuring Souza was the iconic 1987 release, Pleasures of the Flesh. His arrival marked a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution.

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Souza’s journey with Exodus has been characterized by notable ups and downs; he remained with the band until their hiatus in 1993, returned for a brief period from 2002 to 2004, and then made another comeback a decade later. Throughout his time with the band, he contributed his powerful vocals to a total of seven studio albums, leaving a lasting impact on their sound and identity.

On the flip side, Rob Dukes joined Exodus in 2005 following Souza’s initial departure and continued to bring his unique style to the band until 2014, when Souza rejoined. During his tenure, Dukes lent his voice to four of Exodus’s albums, starting with 2005’s Shovel Headed Kill Machine and concluding with 2010’s Exhibit B: The Human Condition. His return marks a significant moment for both the band and its fans.

As of now, Souza has not yet released a personal statement regarding this split. Meanwhile, Exodus has several live performances scheduled for 2025, and fans can find more details about these upcoming shows on their official website.