Though it hasn't knowingly been documented, consider this a virtual certainty: It's impossible to be stationary while listening to Exodus. Anyone doing so may as well be in a coffin. They're likely to be clinically dead.

Since the early '80s, when Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett was a member, Exodus has been one of the heaviest bands on the planet. They have not only persevered through the type of lineup changes and record company hassles that disrupt many bands, they have endured the death of original singer Paul Baloff and a couple of hiatuses. Overseeing it all has been guitarist Gary Holt, the only member to have played on all nine studio albums, from 1985 debut Bonded By Blood to Exhibit B: The Human Condition, which was released May 18.

Exodus' records progressively threaten to knock Richter scales off their charts, particularly ever since vocalist Rob Dukes debuted on 2005's Shovel Headed Kill Machine. But for all their musical intensity, Exodus isn't a band without diversity.

For instance, while the group's most popular song is 1989's Toxic Waltz (see video below), thanks to heavy back-in-the-day rotation on MTV, the next song on that Fabulous Disaster album is Low Rider, Exodus' version of the 1975 tune by War. Toss in bassist Jack Gibson's occasional dabbles on the banjo, and you have an atypical thrash band, in terms of talent and penchant for humor.

Exodus headlines Emo's in Austin on Wednesday, Sept. 8. They'll also be one of 40 bands on the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise that sails from Miami to Cozumel in late January 2011. The 46-year-old Holt, who released an instructional DVD called "A Lesson In Guitar Violence" in 2008 and produced Warbringer's latest album Waking Into Nightmares, phoned me recently from a tour stop in Boise, Idaho:

Q: As the only one in the band who has played on every album, does it feel as if it's been 28 years?
A: Oh yeah, it's amazing that it's been that long in one band. It's been a big part of my life for more than half my life. I still enjoy it, and I wouldn't do it if I wasn't having fun. It's just a little less self-abuse. (laughs)

Q: You played Stubb's in Austin on March 26 with Megadeth and Testament. Any fond memories from previous South Texas visits, particularly San Antonio?
A: We played San Antonio a couple years ago or so. We pretty much always try to hit San Antonio. I certainly love Austin; we don't get to play there that often. We play San Antonio far more often than we play Austin.

Q: How does The Human Condition stack up to previous efforts with Rob and before him?
A: Oh, you know, we are extremely proud of this new record. It came out as we hoped. It's brutal, it's heavy, but it's still in touch with our roots. It's melodic at times. It came out great.

Q: A song about serial killers in California ("The ballad of Leonard and Charles") sets the tone. It's pure thrash all the way through, then ends with "Good Riddance," which is arguably on a short list of heaviest Exodus songs ever. Is that a safe assessment of the album?
A: Yeah, sure. It starts and ends in a blazing fashion. That's the kind of stuff we like to do. Hell, I don't even know where we're gonna take the next record in terms of heaviness.

Q: How many singers did you audition or seriously take into consideration before deciding on Rob, and what were your first impressions of him?
A: Rob was the only guy we auditioned. We joke that he got the job 'cause he showed up first. We had a lot of people send stuff in, and you know, there were some promising people and some not so promising. I don't enjoy the audition process, though. I'm lazy in that regard. So "here, you got the job." (laughs)

Q: Are you satisfied with Exodus' underground cult status as part of the Little Four with Overkill, Testament and Death Angel, or is there a part of you that wishes the band could've made it up there with the Big Four (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax)?
A: Of course, you wish you struck it big. But I'm perfectly happy with my life and our contributions to our genre. It started out with two bands -- us and Metallica. But I'm not big on regrets. I don't waste time regretting anything. I'm still here and making strong records, and it's fun for me.

Q: What kind of guidance and words of wisdom did you dispense as a producer upon Warbringer, a band that's still learning its way in the business?
A: Ah, you know, just from a performance standpoint and helping John (Kevill) with vocals. We worked on tones and actual tracking as much as anything, just trying to get the most out of the record in 11 days.

Q: The opening act on this tour is Bonded By Blood. Those unfamiliar with them may think they're an Exodus tribute band. Did they have to secure permission from you guys to use that name?
A: No, it's not like they're the first band named after another band's album. They don't need my permission. It's a huge compliment.

Q: Whose idea was it to cover "Low Rider?"
A: Mine and (former guitarist) Rich (Hunolt). We always liked the song. It seemed like a fun thing to do. We have a sense of humor and try not to get serious all the time. We're a band of very diverse musical tastes as well. It's not out of the ordinary for us to do guitar stuff or stuff like that.

Q: I have to imagine the 70,000 tons cruise will be unlike any gig you've ever played. What are your thoughts about it, and have you been on a cruise before?
A: Yeah, I've been on a cruise. I don't get seasick. It's gonna be a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to it.

Q: What do you plan on doing when you're not playing shows?
A: Drinking. (laughs)
Well, good answer. I know it's a few months off, but I plan on being there, so I look forward to introducing myself and reminding you of this conversation. I turn 40 during the cruise, so it would be great to have a drink with you to celebrate.
Oh, awesome! Killer!

Q: As someone who's outspoken politically, do you think the oil spill will be cleaned up by then?
A: Ah, who knows? I might try to scoop some of it up and take it home and sell it. (laughs)

• WHO: Exodus
• WHAT: March of Brutality tour with Malevolent Creation, Holy Grail and Bonded By Blood
• WHEN: 7 p.m. (Doors) on Wed. Sept. 8
• WHERE: Emo's in Austin
• TICKETS: $15 general admission. Purchase here.
• OF NOTE: The latest video for Downfall comes with a warning advising those who are epileptic or prone to seizures not to watch it due to its strobing effect. Watch below, if you dare.

• WHAT: 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise
• WHEN: Jan. 24-28, 2011
• WHERE: Miami and Cozumel, Mexico
• MORE INFO: 70000tonsofmetal.com

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