Exodus guitarist Gary Holt recently reflected on the early thrash metal scene and the band’s relationship to Metallica’s legacy in an interview published on Metal Hammer Spain. Holt acknowledged that while Metallica created what he considers the greatest metal album ever made, Exodus deliberately forged its own musical path rather than following their blueprint.
“I think Exodus crushes them, but that’s my own humble opinion,” Holt said, contrasting his current view with Metallica’s earlier dominance. “Everybody makes their own musical decisions. Metallica were the best of all of us. I mean, I don’t think so anymore.”
Holt elaborated on his admiration for Metallica’s classic work, stating that “Master of Puppets” remains unmatched in his estimation. “That album and ‘Stained Class’ by Judas Priest are, to me, the two best metal albums of all time,” he explained. The album’s enduring impact on the genre cannot be overstated.
Exodus’ commitment to independence within the thrash metal movement is underscored by Holt’s comments. This stance has ultimately positioned the band ahead of their San Francisco Bay Area contemporaries.
To understand the weight of Holt’s claims, it’s important to recognize his position within the thrash metal landscape. Guitar World notes that Gary Holt is the longtime guitarist and primary songwriter for Exodus, a cornerstone band of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Holt joined Exodus in 1981 shortly after its formation. He became the band’s only constant member and shaped its sound through landmark albums like Bonded By Blood (1985), where he took over most writing duties following Kirk Hammett’s departure to join Metallica.
As the sole ever-present member throughout Exodus’ four-decade history, Holt’s perspective on the band’s evolution carries significant credibility. His riff-heavy style blended aggressive thrash with old-school metal influences. This approach pushed the genre’s boundaries and established Exodus as a distinct force separate from Metallica’s commercial trajectory.
Beyond his work with Exodus, Holt’s credentials extend to one of metal’s most influential acts. Blabbermouth reported that Holt began filling in for Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman at live shows in 2011. He eventually became the band’s full-time co-guitarist by 2013. Holt played on Slayer’s final album Repentless (2015) before returning fully to Exodus after Slayer’s 2020 farewell.
Despite his tenure with one of metal’s “Big Four” bands, Holt has consistently prioritized Exodus as his primary creative outlet. His recent contributions to albums like Persona Non Grata (2021), where he wrote nearly all tracks, demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the band that has defined his career.
