Welcome Back, Zetro! Exodus Reunites with Steve “Zetro” Souza for North American Tour Blitz
Bay Area thrash metal titans Exodus are set to inject a massive dose of nostalgia and ferocity into their live shows this year, as they welcome back iconic frontman Steve “Zetro” Souza for a special North American tour. Marking his return to the Exodus stage since parting ways in January, Souza’s comeback promises fans a powerful blend of vintage thrash and raw stage energy.
🔁 A Storied History Reignited
Souza’s relationship with Exodus stretches back to 1986, when he first joined the band and became the driving voice behind seminal albums such as Pleasures of the Flesh (1987), Fabulous Disaster (1989), and Tempo of the Damned (2004). After cycles of departure and reunion—including stints from 1986–1993 and 2002–2004—the charismatic frontman rejoined the band in 2014, delivering on Blood In, Blood Out (2014) and Persona Non Grata (2021).
On January 15, 2025, Exodus announced via social media that Souza had been let go and Rob Dukes (lead singer 2005–2014) would once again take over vocal duties. However, Souza’s departure stirred both surprise and respect—band members likened it to a marriage that had simply run its course. Souza, in return, confirmed he was “let go,” stressing that the split was mutual and rooted in life changes after nearly 40 years of battering the road .
🎸 From Latin America to North America: Zetro’s Solo Momentum
Since the split, Souza didn’t disappear. He announced a 20th-anniversary tour celebrating Tempo of the Damned, targeting Latin America in September 2025, with performances in Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, and more. Backed by the robust East Coast outfit SLIKK WIKKED, Souza celebrates his prolific career by mixing Exodus classics with tunes from Testament, Hatriot, and even AC/DC tributes—pas partie of his own “Zetro” movement.
🗓️ A Special North American Exodus Tour
In a surprising twist, sources reveal that Exodus plans to integrate Souza into their North American tour, bringing back the classic chemistry fans reveled in during the 2014–2025 era. While full routing details remain under wraps, expect Zetro to headline key markets alongside Dukes-helmed machines, celebrating both eras as Exodus ramps up for a new studio record set for 2026.
This tour approach appears structured to leverage dual nostalgia: Dukes-fronted shows spotlighting high-energy thrash anthems, and Souza-led nights steeped in exile-era classics—giving audiences a thrashtime “two-for-one” experience rarely seen before.
🔊 Fan & Band Reaction
The fanbase has already responded with fervor. Threads on MetalStorm parallel previous splits in tone—while many expressed sadness over Souza’s departure, excitement bubbles at the prospect of his return. Comments ranged from “I will miss Zetro” to reaffirmations that “now you get to come back and see Rob…and Zetro too,” highlighting the unique dual-history appeal blabbermouth.net.
Inside the band, guitarist Gary Holt commented that the previous separation felt like a completed “marriage,” signaling a refreshed chapter with Souza’s return—even if just for select NA dates.
✔️ Final Take
Exodus’ upcoming shows are poised to be standout events in the thrash metal calendar—historic, charged, and deeply layered in Bay Area legacy. With Steve “Zetro” Souza back behind the mic, fans can expect blistering renditions of classic Exodus tracks, impassioned performances, and a bridge between past eras that honors the band’s decades-long legacy.
Keep an eye out for the official routing announcement—Zetro’s return could mean a thrash revival of epic proportions. Whether you’re rooting for Dukes, Souza, or both, Exodus is championing their roots and forging ahead toward 2026 with renewed energy.
