A new generation: Nearly 45 years in, Exodus continues to prove their influence in metal

Nov. 18—Steve "Zetro" Souza is always on the go.

As a member of thrash metal band Exodus, he's used to a packed schedule as the band has been on the road for decades.

He recently got back from a tour in Japan and then flew to Orlando, Florida, for an appearance and then back home.

He's ready to leave on another tour.

"I'm packing up now because I have to get from Modesto to Sacramento," he says. "This is much better than when we were stuck at home during the lockdown. I can only clip the roses so many times. The world is back and touring is back, so I won't complain."

Exodus released its most recent album, "Persona Non Grata," on Nov. 19, 2021. The band is currently on a co-headlining tour with Fit for an Autopsy, which makes a stop at Sunshine Theater at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22.

Souza began performing with Exodus in 1986, when he was 22 years old.

"I'll be 60 in March," he says gratefully. "I've seen the world, the good and the bad. I've lived a full life and I am fortunate enough to live a good life."

Exodus was formed in 1979 in Richmond, California. The band's current line up consists of guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Altus, bassist Jack Gibson, drummer Tom Hunting, and Souza as lead vocalist.

Hunting is the only original member.

Since its formation, Exodus has released 12 studio albums.

Along with Metallica, Exodus is often credited as pioneers of the Bay Area thrash metal scene.

The band has also seen plenty of success since the release of its debut album, "Bonded By Blood" in 1985.

In the last five years, Souza has noticed a change within the audience.

"There are like three or four generations of metalheads out there," he says. "It's an amazing thing to see that the generations of fans are passing down the music."

Souza says to expect songs like "Strike of the Beast," "A Lesson in Violence," "Blacklist" and "Bonded by Blood."