Slayer Name Exodus Member as Temporary Replacement Guitarist

On Feb. 12, it was announced that Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman would be taking a break from the band while he recovers from an emergency surgery that he underwent for a serious infection in his right arm. At the time of the press release, no replacement guitarist was named. But the band's publicist just announced that Gary Holt of Bay Area thrash legends Exodus would be filling in for Hanneman while he recovers. Holt will immediately join Tom Araya, Kerry King and Dave Lombardo, for their five-date Australian Soundwave Festival tour that begins Feb. 26.

Born and raised in the San Francisco area, Holt joined Exodus in 1981 and has remained in the group to this day. They once called Metallica's Kirk Hammett as a member and have gone on to become one of the metal scene's most respected names. Exodus' 2010 album, 'Exhibit B: The Human Condition,' won praise throughout the world for their blazing guitar work and whip smart songwriting. Holt has also helped guide younger groups and even produced Warbringer's fantastic 'Waking into Nightmares' album in 2009.

Watch Slayer's AOL Sessions Video

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