Gary Holt, the soul of the band EXODUS, one of the most important to the world´s Thrash Metal scene doesn´t have to be introduced.

The band has been to Brazil twice and they want to come back. Being around since 1982, having released 11 albums, they are a big influence to most of the Thrash Metal bands that came out after them. Some of them, the Brazilian bands SAVANT and PROPHECY, which are very proud of mentioning Gary as an idol and EXODUS as one of their biggest influence.

Many things have happened to the band, lots of people in and out, the former singes, Paul Ballof, passed away in 2002, Gary thought of quitting in the 90´s, but none of these things could undermine their music power and neither left them just as part of the history, living on the 80´s nostalgia.

Maila-Kaarina: The importance of Exodus to the Metal scene is not necessary to be mentioned since it is really obvious. The band started in the early 80´s and became a reference for most of the thrash Metal bands from that time on. If you think back, how would you compare the 80´s and 90´s with the band´s actual moment?

Gary Holt: The 80’s were an awesome time, the 90’s were like the end of an era, but for me the time is now. Things are pretty great right now, a lot like the 80’s really.

Maila: Exodus has a huge history not only talking about albums, music and tours but throughout the time people came and left, Paul Ballof passed away, there were several problems that could have destroyed the band and the projects. The opposite happened though. You became even stronger. Where did you find strength and will to go on?

Gary: This is what we do, what we’ve done for so many years. You just keep fighting. Quitting was never an option for me.

Maila: During all those years, have you ever thought of giving up?

Gary: Sure, I did actually. In the early 90’s I had gotten sick of this whole industry, but I missed it more than I thought I would.

Maila: If you had given up, have you got any idea of what you would have done and why?

Gary: I have no idea! I had the chance to spend a lot of time with my oldest daughter, so I wouldn’t take it back anyway.

Maila: There is a lot of difference if we compare the moment the Heavy Rock has been though lately to the top moment that I would say the middle of the 80´s and beginning of the 90´s were. What is your opinion about the world´s scenario to Heavy music of today?

Gary: It’s great, a lot of great metal being played right now. It’s a good time for metal for sure.

Maila: Experienced musicians I talk to usually say that nowadays it´s very hard to find bands that really concern about the music, about the ideology that should exist in what they do. What are the pros and cons you see in this younger generation of rockers?

Gary: Cons, I don’t really see any. Sure you get some bands that are borderline trendy, but even they are a million years better than the nu-metal shit that has thankfully died.

Maila: In your biography at the official Exodus website it is written that ‘what really matters started in August of 2001. Tell us a little about this statement.

Gary: I have no idea, maybe I should read it sometime!

Maila: Would you say the band is living its best moment?

Gary: Nothing will ever compare to the early 80’s, but we are certainly at the top of our game now.

Maila: What are your future plans? Is there any new album coming up soon, new songs?

Gary: We have the Bonded By Blood re-recording that will be out later this year, other than that some more tours while we continue to write songs for the next record.

Maila: You will be playing at Wacken soon. I know summer festivals in Europe are a dream come true for fans and musicians from countries like Brazil, for example, that has a very week scenario for rock music. How is it to be part of the line-up of festivals that join several bands from all over the world? Is it more exciting than doing a concert by yourself?

Gary: It’s always great fun because we get to see friends who we don’t see very often, so it’s always a big party.

Maila: Please, use this topic to say anything you want about the band, about yourself, about rock. Leave a message to Exodus fans.

Gary: I hope to return to Brazil very soon, it’s been a second home to us since the first time we played there. Thanks for everything!