Guitarist Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus) appeared at the ESP Guitars booth at NAMM 2015 in Anaheim, CA back in January to demonstrate his new signature guitar for The Musician Network. He also discussed recording gear, working in the studio, and the forthcoming Slayer album:

"People don't understand how much he lives, breathes and bleeds for Slayer and he, through all the adversity, has really made a monster record." 

MusicStoreLive.com also caught up with guitarist Gary Holt (Exodus, Slayer) at NAMM 2015 to discuss his new signature guitar:

"This design of this axe is simple but effective. There's really no way to fake what happens to heavy tone when you throw a nice thick hunk of mahogany into the mix, which is why Gary opted for it as the body and neck wood. The low end is rich and tight and the highs have a way of cutting through without piercing. Electronically, this guitar sport the same pickups as its multi-thousand dollar older cousin: an EMG 81 in the bridge and an EMG 89 in the neck, both red. The Floyd Rose bridge is reliable and easy to use."

Holt is now part of ESP Guitars’ acclaimed artist endorsement roster.

"I am way beyond excited to announce my return to the mighty ESP!” said Holt. “The new guitars are amazing, and I can't wait to unleash the new signature model on the world! It's gonna be a sick shred machine with that crushing tone ESP has been long known for! Can't wait to let this beast roar!"

Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, an early bandmate and decades-long friend of Holt, commented, “Gary has influenced a whole generation of metal guitarists with his wicked riffs and leads in Exodus. I'm happy that he's jumped on for the ESP ride!”

ESP’s director of artist relations Chris Cannella says, “I am so proud to have Gary onboard at ESP. Not only is he one of the best players in metal… he created thrash metal!”

Gary Holt joined Exodus in 1981 shortly after their formation, and has been the band’s main songwriter ever since. Holt has performed on every Exodus album, and is considered highly influential in the world of thrash metal. In 2011, he began filling in for Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman at live shows, and became the band’s full-time co-guitarist as of 2013, while remaining a member of Exodus. In October, Exodus will be releasing their tenth studio album, Blood In, Blood Out, on the Nuclear Blast label.