Serpent Rider and Gaffed joined The Zach Moonshine Show for a crushing double-feature interview on Metal Devastation Radio! First up, Brandon Corsair of Serpent Rider joined The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio for an epic interview... More

Serpent Rider and Gaffed joined The Zach Moonshine Show for a crushing double-feature interview on Metal Devastation Radio! First up, Brandon Corsair of Serpent Rider joined The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio for an epic interview diving into the band’s new album The Ichor of Chimaera (out now via No Remorse Records)! We talked about Brandon’s journey into music, guitar playing, early influences, and the fantasy books that shaped his vision — including writers like Michael Moorcock. 📚⚔️ He also shared stories about live shows and launching his own event, the Soldiers Of Steel Festival! Then, Gaffed joined The Zach Moonshine Show for a brutal deep dive into their crushing new release I Can Feel Myself Rot (out now via CDN Records)! We talked about the band’s old-school death metal roots, raw recording style, early influences, live shows, and their devotion to the underground death metal spirit. 🤘🦴 ⚔️ Two killer bands, back-to-back, sharing their origins, influences, and what’s coming next — a true feast for fans of heavy and death metal alike. Track list: Battle Of The Bands Top Three Winners: 1 - Trivan - Blackened Heart's Pledge - (122,820 votes)2 - Virya - Seed Of Doubt - (87,517 votes)3 - One Of the Last - Sands of Time - (10,204 votes) The Zach Moonshine Intro 4 - OV RUIN - INFERNAL FLAME (FT. CASEY NEEDLER)5 - Quiescent Mantis - Primal Form Of Aggression6 - Necrotion - Son Of Dog7 - Tonic Breed - The Die is Cast ft. Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam)8 - Lost Circus - Uninvited9 - Implant Soul - Drawn To The Flame (feat. Kyle Thomas)10 - Smoulder - Warrior Witch Of Hell Serpent Rider - Interview featuring Tyrant's March/The Hero's Spirit/The Wretch 11 - EZRA BROOKS - Legions (Ironsword Cover) Gaffed - Interview featuring Unclean Spirit/I Can Feel Myself Rot 12 - Hypocrisy - Life of Filth13 - Pungent Stench - Tony14 - Kataklysm - Eternal, I Reach Infinity15 - Skeleton Kru - Snake Bite16 - Webb Of Deceit - In My Wake (Feat. Raven & Jason Aaron Wood)17 - The Red Mountain - The Devils Whiskey (feat Zach Moonshine)18 - Brutal Death Fuck - Alcohol/Cunts of Disease19 - Skullgrinder - House Of Death20 - Skulls Of Death - Carnival Of Death21 - EVERYBODY DIES - EVERYBODY DIES22 - VADER - Unbending23 - Osiah - Street Justice (Live in Norwich)24 - Percipient - Portals25 - Carcass - Corporal Jigsore Quandary/Heartwork26 - Chironex - Blood Of The Beast27 - TMSTN feat. Joni Mustonen - Falling Masterpiece28 - Dead Within Days - Lost Light29 - Seventh Eve - Carnival30 - Amerakin Overdose - Point of No Return31 - Inherently Lost - Art Of Corruption32 - AntiMozdeBeast - Devil's Quarters Streaming now on Mixcloud! Check out the interviews isolated on YouTube, Spotify and apple. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="tof-drPu8vI"] [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="Ev1LwTlmas8"] Super massive shout out to the 63,178 metal maniacs from around the world that tuned in to the live broadcast of the show Friday night! Check out the bands at these links: https://serpentrider.bandcamp.com/album/the-ichor-of-chimaera https://cdnrecords.com/shop/gaffed-i-can-feel-myself-rot/ Less

📸 Photo by Jordan Burke (@200ios) Today marks a monumental release for fans of extreme metal as Osiah—the North East England deathcore juggernauts—drop their brand-new live album, recorded primarily at Bloodstock Open Air... More

📸 Photo by Jordan Burke (@200ios) Today marks a monumental release for fans of extreme metal as Osiah—the North East England deathcore juggernauts—drop their brand-new live album, recorded primarily at Bloodstock Open Air 2024, with additional tracks captured at shows across the UK. Released via Unique Leader Records, this release delivers all the brutality and chaos that Osiah are known for, now immortalized in raw, unrelenting live form. 🎧 Stream “Osiah - Live” now: https://orcd.co/osiahlive📺 Watch the Bloodstock performance: https://youtu.be/trCxWfE1a_M?si=h-iEJGmCOpwfZBY0 Live Tracklisting – A Sonic Assault of Epic Proportions: Seeds of Despair (Live at Bloodstock Open Air)Temporal Punishment (Live at Bloodstock Open Air)A Great Nothing (Live at Bloodstock Open Air)Eye of the Swarm (Live at Bloodstock Open Air)Kardashev Denied (Live at Bloodstock Open Air)Ascension (Live at Bloodstock Open Air)H.V. (Live at Bloodstock Open Air)Street Justice (Live in Norwich)Queen of Sorrow (Live in Bournemouth)Perennial Agony (Live in Norwich) With a performance that showcases crushing breakdowns, blistering riffs, and vocal devastation, Osiah - Live captures the band at the height of their powers. Whether it’s the thunderous roar of "Temporal Punishment" or the relentless grind of "Eye of the Swarm", this is a set that fans of deathcore and extreme metal can’t afford to miss. A Legacy of Relentless Progression Osiah exploded onto the scene with their debut full-length Terror Firma in 2016 via Siege Music, earning accolades from Metal Hammer, Bloody Disgusting, and more. The band’s ascent continued with their signing to Unique Leader Records, releasing Kingdom of Lies (2019) and Loss (2021), both showcasing their evolving technicality and emotional range. Their most recent studio album, Kairos (2023), received universal praise. Distorted Sound hailed it as “masterfully executed,” while Everything Is Noise called it “one of the strongest releases of 2023.” 🎥 Dive into Kairos with: “The Inherited Sorrow”: Watch here “A Great Nothing”: Watch here What's Next? After this explosive live release, Osiah shows no signs of slowing down. The band has confirmed new music is on the way in 2025, hinting at even more brutality to come. Fans should keep their eyes and ears open—something monstrous lurks on the horizon. Osiah is: Ricky Lee Roper – Vocals Chris Keepin – Guitar Andy Mallaby – Guitar Danny Yates – Drums For fans of deathcore, blackened chaos, and uncompromising heaviness, Osiah - Live is not just a record—it’s a full-scale assault on the senses. Press play, feel the devastation, and prepare for what’s coming next. 🔥 Stream it. Crank it. Survive it. Less

The wait is over. After months of anticipation and a storm of teasers, the new era of GHOST has officially begun. The band’s sixth studio album, SKELETÁ, is out now via Loma Vista Recordings, marking yet another monumental chapter in the band’s... More

The wait is over. After months of anticipation and a storm of teasers, the new era of GHOST has officially begun. The band’s sixth studio album, SKELETÁ, is out now via Loma Vista Recordings, marking yet another monumental chapter in the band’s ever-evolving legacy. 👉 [Order SKELETÁ https://i.ghost-official.com/Skeleta-1]🎧 [Listen to SKELETÁ https://fm.ghost-official.com/peacefield] A Worldwide Phenomenon Reignited GHOST’s global fanbase—an army of ghouls, outcasts, and loyal disciples—has waited with bated breath, and SKELETÁ delivers in every conceivable way. Released today, April 25th, the album arrives amidst a whirlwind of global celebration. Earlier this week, the band unveiled the recorded version of the monumental new single "Peacefield", the track that opens both the album and the explosive live setlist on the SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2025. The single sets the tone for an album that is equal parts theatrical, heavy, melodic, and unmistakably GHOST. In celebration of the release, nearly 150 record stores worldwide hosted SKELETÁ-Eve Midnight Sales, drawing fans in full costume and spiritual fervor. When the demand overwhelmed physical capacity, GHOST answered the call with a live-streamed “SKELETÁ Rockin’ Eve”, extending the ritual to devotees across the globe. The Songs That Summoned the Album Before the full release, GHOST dropped two lead singles that ignited the inferno: "Satanized", praised by VICE as a “catchy goth-rock epic” "Lachryma", described by PASTE as “economical, vicious, and contemporary,” and dubbed “phantasmagoric” by REVOLVER Both tracks have dominated streaming charts and stoked anticipation for SKELETÁ's arrival. GHOST currently boasts more than 10 million monthly Spotify listeners and a rabid YouTube following, proving their reach is as massive as their sound. Papa V Perpetua Takes the Stage The launch of the SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2025 has been nothing short of historic. The spectacle kicked off on April 15th at the AO Arena in Manchester, UK, with deafening applause greeting the live debut of GHOST’s newest frontman incarnation—Papa V Perpetua. With arena dates already sold out across the UK and Europe, the tour is set to hit North America beginning July 9 in Baltimore, including the band’s first-ever headlining performance at Madison Square Garden on July 22. KERRANG! hailed the Manchester performance as “bones and wings and sparkling and bedazzled macabre glory… f***ing brilliant,” setting the tone for what promises to be GHOST’s most ambitious tour to date. GTV & Ghoulbangers’ Ball Adding to the buzz, GHOST has launched GTV, a new digital channel serving up exclusive content from the tour. Hosted by Vanessa Warwick, the Ghoulbangers’ Ball invites fans into the backstage madness, rehearsals, fan rituals, and more—providing a deeper look into the supernatural world of GHOST. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the clergy or a curious newcomer, SKELETÁ is a sonic cathedral of darkness and light, ready to be explored. From shimmering hooks to apocalyptic grandeur, it’s a celebration of the eerie, the theatrical, and the divine. For more information on GHOST:🌐 Website | 📷 Instagram | 👍 Facebook | 🐦 X (Twitter) | 📺 YouTube | 🎵 TikTok Less

Russia’s most ferocious metal export, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, has announced the release of their highly anticipated new album, Grizzly, dropping July 18 via Sumerian Records. The band also dropped a thunderous new single, “Russian Grizzly In... More

Russia’s most ferocious metal export, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, has announced the release of their highly anticipated new album, Grizzly, dropping July 18 via Sumerian Records. The band also dropped a thunderous new single, “Russian Grizzly In America”, accompanied by a wild music video featuring a towering animatronic bear and UFC heavyweight Alexander Volkov — a visual statement as powerful and unrelenting as the song itself. Frontman Alex Terrible pulls no punches when describing the record: “I think this is the best album we have ever written. We put so much effort into it. We spent a lot of time on every detail and really poured our souls into the songs… This time, we took our time, worked carefully on each track, and made sure everything was exactly how we wanted it.” SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL has made a name for themselves by pushing modern metal to its brutal limits. With over one million monthly listeners on Spotify, sold-out headline shows, and notorious festival performances — including a record-breaking wall of death at Hellfest in France — the band has quickly become one of the most dominant forces in heavy music. Their rise from humble beginnings is nothing short of legendary. Born out of an unlikely transcontinental partnership, Alex Terrible, who cut his teeth on YouTube with guttural vocal covers, joined forces with UK guitarist Jack Simmons, forging a sound that was both technically brutal and globally appealing. That sound caught the ear of Sumerian Records, and the rest is history — one built on bone-crushing riffs, guttural growls, and unrelenting intensity. Beyond the music, Alex Terrible’s presence is larger than life — quite literally. When he’s not commanding stages, he’s in the ring, most recently scoring a devastating 37-second knockout in Russia’s RCC Bare Knuckle promotion. With upcoming bouts in Top Dog Bare Knuckle and talks of a U.S. debut in Bare Knuckle FC, his fighting spirit bleeds into every growl and guttural roar on Grizzly. With a summer tour that spans U.S., Canada, and Europe, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL is rolling out a revamped live production, set to elevate their already intense performances into something even more raw and immersive. Grizzly is shaping up to be their most ambitious and fully realized work to date — blending sheer aggression with memorable hooks that beg to be screamed in unison. The album includes previously released singles like “Conflict,” “Viking,” “1984,” “Behelit,” and “Kid Of Darkness,” with a stacked lineup of features including Ronnie Radke and BABYMETAL. Grizzly Track Listing: Banditos Russian Grizzly In America Imdead (feat. Ronnie Radke) Babayka Viking Koschei Song 3 (feat. BABYMETAL) Lift That Shit Behelit Rodina Conflict Kid Of Darkness 1984 SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL are: Alex Terrible – Vocals Jack Simmons – Guitars Dmitry Mamedov – Guitars Mikhail Petrov – Bass Evgeny Novikov – Drums Brace yourselves. July 18, the bear is unleashed. 🐻💥Grizzly isn’t just an album — it’s a declaration of dominance. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="QrpI-1TmOqM"] Less

By embracing a bold new approach to live performance, GHOST frontman Tobias Forge is calling for a return to the moment—literally. With the band’s 2025 world tour set to be a phone-free experience, Forge has ignited a conversation about the value... More

By embracing a bold new approach to live performance, GHOST frontman Tobias Forge is calling for a return to the moment—literally. With the band’s 2025 world tour set to be a phone-free experience, Forge has ignited a conversation about the value of presence, connection, and collective euphoria in the age of digital distraction. In a recent interview with Riff X’s Metal XS, Forge elaborated on his decision to require fans to secure their phones in Yondr pouches throughout the show. The pouches—designed to let guests keep their phones while locking them during the performance—allow fans to re-engage with the real-time magic of a live concert. A Shift Sparked by “Rite Here Rite Now” Forge credits the inspiration for the phone-free tour to the euphoric response surrounding Rite Here Rite Now, GHOST’s feature film debut. Filmed over two “device-free” nights at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles in September 2023, the experience was a revelation for both the band and the fans. “There was this intimacy,” Forge said. “The crowd was really there with us. We hadn’t felt that level of engagement in a long time. It was as if the audience had rediscovered how to just be at a show. It changed us.” According to Forge, the device-free atmosphere didn’t just elevate the audience's experience—it transformed the performance itself. “It made us better. It felt like they were having a better time. And I just felt that I have a hard time not having experienced this. I cannot neglect that I just had an experience saying that this is so much better.” From Doubt to Devotion Not everyone was sold on the idea at first—even Forge’s own daughter was skeptical. “She was like, ‘No one’s gonna buy a ticket,’” he shared. “But it’s an experiment. And after L.A., I knew it could work. People were nervous at first, but afterwards, they felt relieved. For two hours, you feel relieved of the chains that is the ether.” This sense of release, of returning to something primal and communal, is what Forge hopes to replicate on the upcoming tour. “I want everyone to feel that,” he said. “That is the collective joy that I want people to associate GHOST with.” Not About Control—About Connection Forge is quick to clarify that the policy is not about censorship or content control. “It’s not about copyright. We’re going to make sure people see stuff from the show. There will be plenty of official documentation,” he noted. The point, according to Forge, is engagement—not exclusivity. “The connection between myself and everybody I brought with me to give you an experience—that experience is completely decocked if everybody’s just filming,” he emphasized. Through the lens of Rite Here Rite Now, Forge saw his own work in a new way, analyzing every detail in the editing process. “It taught me a lot about the show and how I want it to look in the future,” he said. “The new show will be shaped by that experience.” Reclaiming the Concert Ritual Phone-free shows are nothing new—comedians and other artists have experimented with them for years—but GHOST’s implementation feels particularly deliberate. It’s a spiritual return to the idea that live music is sacred, visceral, and fleeting. With phones locked away but still in reach (in case of emergencies or quick lobby selfies), Forge hopes fans will discover the same kind of cathartic immersion he felt in Los Angeles. “I want people to experience this,” he said. “It’s just two hours of your life. Come on. If you hate it, okay. But I want everyone to feel what we felt. That joy. That connection.” As the digital age continues to blur the boundaries between audience and artifact, GHOST’s 2025 tour may just be the reminder we didn’t know we needed: that sometimes, the most powerful moments happen when the screen goes dark—and the real show begins. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="lHcjwfN6_pc"] Less

The Prince of Darkness is preparing for one final bow. In a heartfelt and revealing episode of Ozzy Speaks on SiriusXM, legendary heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne gave fans a long-awaited update on his health — and more importantly, his readiness... More

The Prince of Darkness is preparing for one final bow. In a heartfelt and revealing episode of Ozzy Speaks on SiriusXM, legendary heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne gave fans a long-awaited update on his health — and more importantly, his readiness for his final concert performance. The event, aptly titled "Back To The Beginning", is set to take place on July 5 in Birmingham, UK — Ozzy’s hometown and the birthplace of Black Sabbath. "This will be seven years since I played a full concert," Ozzy told co-host Billy Morrison. "And I’ve been through all this surgery. It really is like starting from scratch." At 76, with a long history of medical challenges including a rare genetic form of Parkinson’s disease (Parkin 2), spinal surgeries, and even a bout with COVID-19, Ozzy's resilience continues to inspire. "I’m in heavy training," he shared. "It’s endurance training. I’m doing two sets of three-minute walks a day and weight training. I’ve gotta get going, you know." Though he joked that three minutes might sound like nothing, Ozzy added, “I’m waking up in my body. I’ve been laying on my back recovering from umpteen surgeries.” A Bittersweet Goodbye Announced earlier this year, "Back To The Beginning" will feature an emotional reunion of Black Sabbath’s original lineup — Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward — performing together for the first time in 20 years. Ozzy clarified that while he won’t be doing a full Sabbath set, he will be participating in “little bits and pieces.” "This is his full stop," said Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager. “Ozzy didn't have a chance to say goodbye to his fans, and he feels there’s never been a full stop.” Adding to the monumental night will be an ensemble of metal royalty: Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Lamb of God, Mastodon, and Anthrax will all perform. A supergroup of icons — including Slash, Duff McKagan, Billy Corgan, Fred Durst, Tom Morello, Jake E. Lee, Wolfgang Van Halen, and K.K. Downing — will also deliver renditions of classic Sabbath and Ozzy tracks in an unforgettable tribute. Still Standing, Still Singing Despite mobility struggles, Ozzy's spirit and voice remain strong. "I may be moaning that I can't walk, but I look down the road and there’s people that didn’t do half as much as me and didn’t make it," Ozzy reflected. Sharon reaffirmed that although Parkinson’s has affected his legs, "his voice is as good as it's ever been." The concert’s proceeds will benefit Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice, tying Ozzy’s legacy not just to music, but to meaningful causes close to his heart. A Legacy Sealed with Thunder While Ozzy has popped up for surprise performances in recent years — notably at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and NFL's 2022 season opener — Back To The Beginning will be his final scheduled performance. "For Ozzy right now, it’s definitely: 'I love you and good night,'" Sharon told Reuters. With his unmatched stage presence, boundless charisma, and a voice that still echoes through the annals of heavy metal, Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell isn’t just the end of an era — it’s a celebration of survival, legacy, and undying love for music and fans. As Ozzy puts it best: "I’m not dead. I’m still actively doing things." And on July 5, Villa Park will thunder with the sound of goodbye — not with silence, but with riffs, roars, and roaring applause. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="h3GDktl1S-k"] Less

For the first time in over half a century, the surviving members of the original Alice Cooper band — Alice Cooper (vocals), Michael Bruce (guitar), Dennis Dunaway (bass), and Neal Smith (drums) — have reunited to deliver "The Revenge Of Alice... More

For the first time in over half a century, the surviving members of the original Alice Cooper band — Alice Cooper (vocals), Michael Bruce (guitar), Dennis Dunaway (bass), and Neal Smith (drums) — have reunited to deliver "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper", a brand-new studio album set to drop July 25 via earMUSIC. This marks a historic moment in rock history as the band that helped define shock rock in the 1970s reclaims their legacy with fresh venom. The album’s first single, "Black Mamba", released today, bites hard and deep. Featuring the legendary Robby Krieger of The Doors, the track slithers with classic riffs and an infectious sense of menace, introducing a new chapter of Alice Cooper while staying true to the group’s sinister roots. Described as the spiritual successor to "School’s Out", "Billion Dollar Babies", "Love It to Death", and "Killer", "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper" is a high-voltage dive into vintage horror, rebellious energy, and the gory glam theatrics that made the band infamous. The album reunites the classic lineup with producer Bob Ezrin, capturing the raw essence of their original sound in an old-school studio in Connecticut. One of the album’s most emotional moments is a posthumous feature by late guitarist Glen Buxton, who passed away in 1997. His unreleased guitar work appears on the track “What Happened To You,” seamlessly bridging the band’s past with its present. Adding even more weight to the release is a bonus track for box set and limited “smart format” editions: a never-before-heard alternate take of 1970’s “Return Of The Spiders”, uncovered after more than five decades and meticulously enhanced by Ezrin. The deluxe packages will include additional bonuses and limited-edition vinyl pressings, as well as high-definition digital formats. “It felt like the next album after Muscle of Love,” Cooper told Billboard. “Funny, after 50 years, everything just fell into place.” Bob Ezrin echoed the sentiment: “It was like watching them back in high school again. They just revert to who they were and make music like nothing’s changed.” A Tracklist Worth the Wait The full album tracklisting showcases the band’s range — from face-melting rockers like “Kill The Flies” and “One Night Stand” to eerie ballads like “See You On The Other Side.” Here’s the complete rundown: Black Mamba Wild Ones Up All Night Kill The Flies One Night Stand Blood On The Sun Crap That Gets In The Way Of Your Dreams Famous Face Money Screams What A Syd Inter Galactic Vagabond Blues What Happened To You I Ain’t Done Wrong See You On The Other Side Return of the Spiders 2025 (bonus track) Titanic Overunderture (bonus track) Shock Rock Royalty Returns Formed in 1968, the original Alice Cooper band forever changed rock 'n' roll with their combination of gritty garage rock, glam excess, and macabre showmanship. By 1973, they had achieved rock superstardom, but by 1974, the band dissolved, leaving behind a legacy that has only grown in stature. Alice Cooper’s career as a solo artist has continued to flourish, but this reunion taps directly into the source of his original, rebellious energy. Their partnership with Ezrin — who produced the band’s classic albums — ensures this is no nostalgia trip, but rather a resurrection. Will they tour? Possibly. Cooper left the door open: “It would be tough to do a full tour after all this time, but maybe a few special city shows — Detroit, L.A., New York. Something intimate. We’ll see.” Whether or not the original Alice Cooper band hits the road, "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper" is already being hailed as one of the most exciting rock comebacks in recent memory. It’s not just a return — it’s a reckoning. "Black Mamba" is out now. "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper" arrives July 25. Prepare yourselves. The master of horror rock is back — with a vengeance. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="jgbkuJo1ifU"] Less

In a heartfelt and revealing new episode of Zetro's Toxic Vault, Steve "Zetro" Souza has made it clear—his days with EXODUS are officially over, and they’re staying that way. The longtime thrash frontman, known for his venomous snarl and fierce... More

In a heartfelt and revealing new episode of Zetro's Toxic Vault, Steve "Zetro" Souza has made it clear—his days with EXODUS are officially over, and they’re staying that way. The longtime thrash frontman, known for his venomous snarl and fierce stage presence, says he has "no desire" to return to the band ever again. “It’s been done,” Souza said bluntly. “This was the third time that I had joined the band, so I think it would be a bit redundant to try to do this or do this again.” Just three months ago, EXODUS announced that they had parted ways with Zetro and welcomed back Rob Dukes, who originally fronted the band from 2005 to 2014 during Souza’s previous absence. This changing of the guard marks the third major transition in Zetro’s turbulent history with EXODUS, one that spans decades and chapters of thrash metal lore. A Rollercoaster Career Souza’s history with EXODUS dates back to 1986, when he replaced original frontman Paul Baloff. He stayed with the band until 1993, returned for a stint in the early 2000s, and then again in 2014. Now 61, Zetro reflects on his departure with maturity and perspective: “Being in a band is like a marriage — it truly is — and the marriage was over,” he explained. “I think it was probably the right thing for me especially, and I hope it’s the right thing for them as well.” He made it clear he didn’t leave on his own terms. “I did not quit. I was let go,” he stated, adding that guitarist Gary Holt was the one who broke the news—something Zetro admits he ultimately agrees with. A Different Kind of Life These days, Zetro's heart lies closer to home. “What I liked when I was younger in my twenties and my thirties are not necessarily what I'm into anymore,” he said. “I love my family… I have a grandson now… I wanna see my wife every day. I wanna sleep in my bed every day.” Souza’s tone throughout the video wasn’t bitter but more reflective and content. Touring life, with its long flights, cramped buses, and endless waiting, had taken a toll. “The bunk started to be very, very uncomfortable,” he said. “Too much time in the day. Waiting to wait. I don’t have the patience for that anymore.” Leaving on a High Note Zetro was proud of how he left the stage—with fire. “If you saw us on the last tour with HAVOK, then, honestly, I was singing better than I’ve ever sung through the years,” he said. “I did my job quite well — and even they’ll tell you that.” His final show with EXODUS took place at The Regent in Los Angeles in December 2024—a performance he now says will stand as his definitive swan song with the band. And while he's stepping away from the spotlight, Souza holds no grudge. In fact, he encouraged fans to embrace Rob Dukes’ return: “Now you get to come back and see Rob maybe for the next 10 years and see him continue on,” he said. “Gary’s gonna continue to write music and record music. And Gary Holt doesn’t know how to write a shitty riff.” Respect for the Fans One theme remained constant throughout his message: love and appreciation for the fans. “I’m gonna miss you guys. I really am,” Souza said. “I never considered myself above anybody.” He spoke warmly of the many fans who chatted with him after shows, whether about horror movies, metal, or sports. “I would never want anyone to have an awful experience with me,” he said. Looking Ahead Though his days with EXODUS are behind him, Souza seems at peace and optimistic about the future. Whether that includes new musical endeavors or simply more time at home, he’s content. “I’m really, really happy and more content,” he shared. In the world of thrash metal, few voices are as iconic as Zetro’s, and though he may never again scream over a pit of chaos for EXODUS, his legacy is secure—and his final bow, done on his own terms. Zetro has left the stage, but his roar echoes on. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="x-lg1BLVSHU"] Less