EXODUS Guitarist: 'Religion Is The True Evil In The World'

May 22, 2004

EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt spoke to Metal-Exiles.com about the lyrical inspiration for the group's new album, "Tempo of the Damned". Asked what the influence was for the album opener, "Scar Spangled Banner", Gary replied, "Just my general hatred for our government leaders and our foreign policy. I have been accused of being anti-American with that song, people have said with 9-11 playing a song like that is wrong. That is what our government wants — they want you to overlook everything they do by pointing to this tragedy then. Our whole foreign policy and war in Iraq have nothing to do with that. I supported the war in Afghanistan but not this one. I have been called liberal but I hate both Democrats and Republicans. That is a recurring theme on this album — hate. There is a lot to hate right in this world right now."

With regards to whether the words in "Scar Spangled Banner" desecrate the America flag, Gary said, "That is the way the world sees our flag right now, it is just something that would be draped over one of their coffins. There is not one person that feels that lives are worth losing to liberate a bunch of people in some other country.

"[George W. Bush] is finishing the war George Sr. could not win. I mean, you would have to had your eyes closed to not have seen the video of George Sr. shaking hands with Saddam or the fact that we sold weapons to the Taliban when they fought the Russians."

Asked about the anti-religion lyrics of the song "Shroud of Urine", Gary said, I think religion is a fucking pile of crap. I think the true evil in the world is religion. I feel that anything else goes. The controversial song was 'Scar Spangled Banner', now all of these Christians are logging onto our message board and they are completely offended. There are people that say they have been fans of the band since 'Bonded by Blood' and now you have attacked my King, fuck you all. 'Bonded By Blood' did not offend you? Cartoon Satanic imagery does not offend you, but when you are pointing a finger at their beliefs they do not like it. I tell them that if they do not like it, do not listen to it, fuck off, I apologize for nothing."

Read Gary Holt's entire interview with Metal-Exiles.com at this location.

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