ZETRO’S EXODUS EXIT COMMENTS EXPLOITED FOR NEGATIVE CLICKS

I read a number of this morning’s social media headlines, which were derived from Steve Zetro Souza’s recent YouTube video where he talks about his Exodus exit. The headline most social media outlets have gone for is “ZETRO REFUSES TO PERFORM WITH EXODUS AGAIN” or “ZETRO TO NEVER PLAY WITH EXODUS AGAIN” immediately going for the negative, encouraging angry responses from the Dukes vs Zetro camp, from people who didn’t check out the video let alone read the article attached.  There was nothing negative in his video at all, and to try and create negativity regarding his statements for clicks is frankly quite sad.

Also, why are people surprised? He only just left the band, so why would he suddenly go back?

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If you actually check out the video or read any of the excerpts from what he said, there was nothing negative in his statements at all, he makes no digs at his former bandmates, and he doesn’t criticize anyone. He, in fact, clearly and articulately states why he wouldn’t rejoin the band again. This is due to his age, his health, his marriage, and the fact that he has had several stints with the band and wouldn’t achieve anything else by returning. Everything he says is balanced and totally reasonable, and he even praises his former bandmates. But balanced statements, reason, and logic don’t generate clicks for the social media bunnies so the black mirror brigade can beat each other to death in the comments section, so these sites are not interested in them.

So why is there this desire to make everything negative and confrontational in the Metal community?

It just seems to be counterproductive and will overall put more people off listening to bands than encourage people to listen to music, buy records, and attend shows, which is what we should all want to help grow the scene and thus the business for everyone. Why do we continue to foster this kind of nonsense? It’s literally to no one’s advantage. We need to be positive as a community and movement, and grow Heavy Metal for the long term, not just for the short-term clicks.

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I must admit, I am a fan of Steve Zetro Souza. I am a fan of his albums with Exodus, obviously, the classic records are some of my favourite Thrash Metal albums ever recorded, but even his recent efforts with the band, Blood In, Blood Out and Persona Non Grata, were great records and well worth checking out.  He’s been an influence on me vocally too, Zetro brought a real venom and bite to Thrash Metal vocals and is arguably the master of that style of delivery, and something I have tried to emulate in my own performances.

I was lucky enough to see them on tour a few years back at Chinnery’s in Southend. It was one of the best Metal shows I have ever attended, and I even managed to get my nose broken during Toxic Waltz, which all added to the experience. I appreciate his efforts with the band over many, many years, and I look forward to what Exodus does next, too.

For me, it’s just a shame that the Metal community is dragged into this whole social media bubble where the truth gets lost among the angry mashing of keys and clickbait nonsense. Best of luck to Zetro with his retirement from the band, and best of luck to the guys in Exodus moving forward, I say.

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Rage Sadler – Kaine