In a revelation that challenges conventional genre perceptions, Gary Holt, the esteemed guitarist for thrash metal pioneers Exodus and former long-time touring member of Slayer, has openly shared his profound appreciation for pop music, citing contemporary superstar Adele as a particular favorite. This candid admission, alongside similar sentiments from fellow Exodus guitarist Lee Altus, underscores a growing trend among heavy metal artists to transcend rigid musical boundaries and embrace a diverse sonic landscape. The statements, made during an interview for the new print edition of Guitar World, offer a compelling glimpse into the eclectic listening habits that can subtly, yet significantly, influence the creative output of even the most aggressive musical acts.
A Pillar of Thrash Metal’s Legacy
Gary Holt’s standing in the heavy metal pantheon is undeniable. As a founding member of Exodus in 1979, he has been an instrumental force in shaping the sound of thrash metal, a genre characterized by its blistering speed, intricate guitar riffs, and aggressive vocal delivery. Exodus’s debut album, Bonded by Blood (1985), is widely regarded as a seminal work in the genre, influencing countless bands that followed. Holt’s intricate yet ferocious guitar work became a hallmark of the band’s sound, contributing to albums like Fabulous Disaster, Impact Is Imminent, and more recently, Persona Non Grata. Beyond Exodus, Holt further cemented his legacy by joining Slayer in 2011 as a touring guitarist, stepping into the formidable shoes of the late Jeff Hanneman and performing with the legendary band until their retirement in 2019. His career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to the intensity and raw power of heavy metal, making his recent disclosures about pop music all the more intriguing.
Adele: An Unlikely Muse for a Thrash Titan
Holt’s admiration for Adele stands out as particularly striking given the stark stylistic differences between her soulful, piano-driven ballads and the visceral aggression of thrash metal. In the Guitar World interview, Holt stated unequivocally, "All I listen to is Adele. If you ask me what my five favourite musicians are right now, they’re all Adele. She’s one of the greatest voices ever, and if you listen to her records, outside of the hits, there’s world-class piano playing. Most of it is just her and the piano, and I love listening to piano." This endorsement from a musician known for crafting some of metal’s most intricate and violent riffs highlights an appreciation for pure musicality and vocal prowess that transcends genre.
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, MBE, is globally celebrated for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice, emotionally resonant lyrics, and minimalist yet impactful arrangements, often centered around piano. Her albums, including 21, 25, and 30, have broken numerous sales records and garnered critical acclaim, cementing her status as one of the most successful artists of the 21st century. For Holt, it appears to be not just the chart-topping singles but the underlying musical craftsmanship – particularly the "world-class piano playing" – that resonates deeply. This suggests that for a seasoned guitarist, the technical skill and melodic sophistication found in any genre can be a source of inspiration, regardless of its typical audience or tempo. The assertion challenges the notion that musicians, particularly those in extreme genres, confine their listening habits to their own niche, instead advocating for an open-minded approach that values artistry above all.
Pop’s Enduring Influence: From Madonna to Prince
Holt’s affinity for pop music is not a recent development. He revealed a long-standing appreciation that dates back decades, even to the early days of Exodus. "I’ve always liked pop," Holt recounted, sharing an anecdote from the 1980s: "I was listening to Madonna on the Exodus tour in the eighties with Venom." This historical detail illustrates that Holt’s diverse tastes predate the contemporary breaking down of genre barriers, suggesting a personal philosophy of musical appreciation that has always been inclusive. Madonna, a global icon of pop music, has continually reinvented herself throughout her career, pushing boundaries in music, fashion, and performance. Her innovative approach to pop songwriting and production could, even subconsciously, offer a different lens through which to view musical structure and arrangement for a metal artist.
Even more significant is Holt’s declaration of Prince as his "hero." He elaborated, "There’s probably more Prince influence in Exodus than anyone would ever notice." This statement is particularly profound given Prince’s unparalleled musical genius, which spanned funk, rock, R&B, pop, and soul, characterized by his multi-instrumental proficiency, innovative production, and complex arrangements. Holt even pointed to specific Exodus tracks as having subtle, unexpected influences: "Listen to Violence Works. Until the riff comes in, it sounds like we’ve lost our minds and have done a disco song. To me, Promise You [This] sounds like Blackfoot meets Discharge. There’s never a rhyme or reason to why it all happens. We just follow the riff."
The reference to Violence Works (from Exodus’s 1997 album Impact Is Imminent) potentially having a "disco"-like opening before the thrash riff kicks in suggests a rhythmic or textural experimentation that might be traced back to funk or pop sensibilities, even if presented through a heavy metal filter. Prince’s mastery of groove, syncopation, and unexpected melodic turns could inspire a metal guitarist to think beyond conventional thrash patterns, exploring different rhythmic feels or intro dynamics. Similarly, Promise You [This] (from 2004’s Tempo of the Damned) described as "Blackfoot meets Discharge," showcases a blend of Southern rock/hard rock groove (Blackfoot) with the raw, aggressive punk energy (Discharge). This fusion again demonstrates a willingness to draw from disparate influences to create a unique sound, rather than adhering strictly to a single genre’s template. Prince’s entire career was a testament to following artistic instinct and "the riff," as Holt puts it, rather than conforming to genre expectations.
Lee Altus and the ABBA Factor
Gary Holt is not alone in his expansive musical palate within Exodus. Fellow guitarist Lee Altus echoed Holt’s sentiments, stating, "Good music is good music. I’m not sitting around listening to metal all the time either. One of my all-time favorite bands is ABBA." Altus’s background is deeply rooted in classic heavy metal, as he confirmed: "I grew up on Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Iron Maiden. That stuff is still what I go back to, but I love lots of other things."
ABBA, the iconic Swedish pop group, achieved global superstardom in the 1970s with their infectious melodies, intricate vocal harmonies, and sophisticated song structures. Their music, characterized by its bright, optimistic sound and meticulous production, stands in stark contrast to the heavy metal bands Altus grew up listening to. However, a closer look reveals that ABBA’s music is a masterclass in songwriting, arrangement, and melodic construction – elements that any musician, regardless of genre, can appreciate and learn from. The catchiness of an ABBA chorus, the precision of their vocal layering, or the dynamic shifts within their songs could subconsciously inform a metal guitarist’s approach to crafting memorable riffs, structuring solos, or even thinking about harmonic interplay within a heavy context. Altus’s statement reinforces the idea that musical quality transcends genre labels.
The Subconscious Impact on Exodus’s Sound
The interview probed whether these eclectic listening habits translate into the experimental nature of Exodus’s sound. Holt’s response was thoughtful: "Maybe. I don’t sit there listening to Adele thinking, ‘I’m going to put pop music into thrash metal,’ but I’ve always liked pop." This insight is crucial, as it points to the often subconscious way diverse influences seep into a musician’s creative process. It’s rarely a direct, calculated insertion of a pop melody into a thrash song. Instead, it’s about the absorption of different rhythmic ideas, harmonic progressions, melodic sensibilities, or even just a broader understanding of song dynamics that can inform composition.
A musician who listens widely develops a more expansive internal library of musical concepts. This can manifest in subtle ways: a unique syncopation in a riff, an unexpected chord change, a dynamic shift that builds tension in an unconventional manner, or even a nuanced approach to vocal phrasing that adds depth to aggressive lyrics. For a band like Exodus, known for its relentless aggression and technical prowess, incorporating such influences might mean adding unexpected grooves, exploring more complex song structures, or employing a wider range of guitar tones and textures that prevent their sound from becoming formulaic. The "follow the riff" philosophy articulated by Holt implies an intuitive, unconstrained creative process where ideas are pursued based on their inherent musical merit, rather than being confined by genre expectations. This open-mindedness is a vital ingredient for artistic longevity and evolution, allowing a band to maintain relevance and surprise its audience over decades.
Broader Implications: Breaking Down Genre Barriers
The revelations from Gary Holt and Lee Altus are indicative of a broader trend within the music industry, where genre boundaries are becoming increasingly fluid. For decades, music scenes, particularly in heavy metal, were characterized by a certain insularity, with fans and musicians often adhering strictly to their chosen niche. However, the digital age and increased access to a vast array of music have fostered an environment where artists are encouraged to explore and appreciate sounds from across the spectrum.
Many metal musicians, known for their technical virtuosity, frequently cite influences from classical music, jazz, and even progressive rock. The appreciation of pop music, with its focus on melody, hooks, and accessible song structures, adds another dimension to this cross-pollination. It highlights that the fundamental elements of good songwriting and performance – strong melodies, compelling rhythms, powerful vocals, and masterful instrumentation – are universal and transcend stylistic labels. This openness not only enriches the artists’ personal listening experiences but also contributes to the evolution and innovation of their own genres. By drawing from diverse sources, musicians can inject fresh ideas into established forms, preventing stagnation and pushing creative boundaries. The statements from Holt and Altus serve as a powerful reminder that "good music is good music," regardless of its categorization, and that true artistry lies in an uninhibited pursuit of sound.
Exodus On Tour
As Gary Holt and Lee Altus continue to champion musical diversity, Exodus remains a formidable force in the thrash metal scene. The band is currently engaged in a tour across the UK and Europe, bringing their electrifying performances and decades of influential material to fans. Their ongoing presence in the live circuit underscores their enduring legacy and commitment to their craft, even as their personal musical tastes reveal a rich tapestry of influences that extend far beyond the mosh pit. Fans interested in catching Exodus live can find more information and tour dates via their official website.