Gary Holt
Guitarist/ Exodus/ Slayer
Gary Holt is a cornerstone of the Bay Area thrash metal movement, best known as the longtime guitarist and chief songwriter for Exodus. Since joining the band in 1981, Holt has shaped Exodus’s aggressive and uncompromising sound, contributing to landmark albums like Bonded by Blood, Fabulous Disaster, and Persona Non Grata. His razor-sharp riffs and unrelenting energy have helped define the essence of thrash guitar.
In 2011, Holt was tapped to fill in for Jeff Hanneman of Slayer during his illness, later becoming a full-time member following Hanneman’s passing. Holt brought his own intensity to Slayer’s final years, playing on their 2015 album Repentless and touring with the band until their retirement in 2019. He later rejoined Slayer for their 2024 reunion festival appearances, honoring Hanneman’s legacy while adding his own firepower to the legendary catalog.
A master of balancing speed, precision, and brutality, Holt is known for fusing melody with aggression, making him one of thrash metal’s most respected guitarists. Whether on stage with Exodus or stepping into Slayer’s ferocious world, Holt remains a commanding presence in metal, always delivering with authenticity and force.
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