HATRIOT / Ex-EXODUS frontman Steve "Zetro" Souza recently spoke with John Parks at Legendary Rock Interviews. An excerpt is available below:

LRI: Your new band Hatriot has a great name, lots of energy and sounds great which makes perfect sense because you’re working with a bunch of young guys who totally understand and grew up on your stuff. How did you manage to put together this band?

Zetro: "It started with my guitarist Kosta V. and myself. I just happened to listen to some music he recorded and I wrote some lyrics over it, then I recorded it, then I let people who I trust. People like Exodus, MACHINE HEAD, Andy Sneap, TESTAMENT, and on hearing it they had actually thought I had rejoined Exodus, obviously other than the Exodus guys. That’s when I knew I had the right guy in Kosta that I can write songs with and continue this. I painstakingly pieced this slowly together with all the right members to make this the line up it is."

LRI: It’s not out-of-place with other newer heavy stuff happening in the here and now but the one thing that remains unchanged is your new work is still the signature vocal delivery we are all used to. Was it a balancing act between staying true to the old school thrash style you excel at and indulging in the heavier, modern, nature of the beefed up music?

Zetro: "That has worked out because not only am I familiar with the old school style but the youth element of this band knows the old school. Don’t get me wrong, that’s why Kosta V. is in the position he is. It’s because he’s very well versed in old school. They all still bring an element of the new aggression though. That power and aggression makes metal today successful and acceptable.

LRI: Some fans have also remarked that they feel the band is basically Mach 3 Exodus which is a compliment. How do you rationalize that comparison, the fascination and questions about your past or the fact that obviously people coming out to the Hatriot shows might wanna hear some Legacy or Exodus as well as the new stuff?

Zetro: "As far as Exodus goes, I’ll never be able to escape that. People are fascinated with that time period and the bay area thrash movement back in the 80’s. With that being said, I will always be expected to answer questions about my time in Exodus, Legacy and the scene in general from that time period. If you do come to a Hatriot show now, it’s a good chance you’re going to hear some Exodus or Legacy."

Go to this location for the complete interview.