Gary Holt of Exodus shared his thoughts about a memorable 1985 concert performance with Metallica in an interview with Chuck Shute. The Exodus guitarist presented a balanced view of his band’s past performance and Metallica’s current dominance in the metal scene.
“We crushed them that night for sure. We smoked them that night. If you were there you were there,” Holt said. “I mean now, they could go up and make armpit fart noise and they’d get a better response than us you know without guitars. They could just go up and tell jokes and it’d go over better because they’re f—king Metallica.”
“I give them credit where credits do,” he continued. “I’ve always said ‘Master of Puppets,’ to me, is the greatest metal album ever made. It’s perfect. I’m jealous. It’s so good.”
The relationship between Exodus and Metallica extends beyond shared concert bills. Their histories intertwine through personnel changes and musical influences that shaped both bands’ trajectories.
Historical Connections
Alternative Press documents the pivotal moment in 1983 when Kirk Hammett left his role as Exodus’s co-founder to join Metallica. This transition created an unexpected musical exchange between the two bands.
Musical elements from Exodus found their way into Metallica’s early compositions. A riff from Exodus’s ‘Impaler’ appeared in Metallica’s ‘Trapped Under Ice.’ The refrain from ‘Creeping Death’ originated from an Exodus song called ‘Die By His Hand.’
Musical Mentorship
Loudwire highlights a crucial detail from Holt’s early career. Kirk Hammett served as his guitar instructor during Exodus’s formative years. This mentorship helped develop Holt’s playing style.
Holt took over as Exodus’s primary songwriter after Hammett’s departure. Their professional relationship remained strong throughout the years. Hammett later contributed to Exodus’s 2014 album ‘Blood In Blood Out.’
Career Evolution
Louder Sound notes Holt’s career advancement when he joined Slayer in 2011. He replaced Jeff Hanneman while maintaining his role in Exodus.
This move strengthened Holt’s position in the thrash metal community. He successfully contributed to multiple influential bands while maintaining respect for both Metallica and his musical origins.
