Reflecting on Slayer’s trajectory following the death of guitarist Jeff Hanneman in 2013, Kerry King has opened up about the band’s evolution and his own contributions.
Hanneman, a founding member of Slayer alongside King since 1981, passed away due to liver failure, leaving a significant void in the band. Despite the challenges, Slayer returned after a six-year hiatus with their final album, Repentless, featuring Gary Holt of Exodus as Hanneman’s replacement.
In an interview with Metal Hammer, King acknowledged the skepticism surrounding the album’s release, stating, “I knew people were saying, ‘Ah, Hanneman isn’t there, it’s not going to be that good.’ But then Repentless came out and they were like, ‘Huh, King can do it on his own.’”
Expressing a personal commitment to delivering quality music, King emphasized, “I think of myself as a fan first, so if I’m into it and I think it’s something really special, I think my fans are going to think it’s awesome.”
Following Slayer’s disbandment in 2019 and a recent reunion, King has focused on his solo career, launching his debut album, From Hell I Rise, last month. Collaborating with former bandmate Paul Bostaph on drums and featuring notable musicians like Mark Osegueda, Phil Demmel, and Kyle Sanders, King continues to explore new musical avenues.
While navigating his solo endeavors, King humorously mentioned his struggle to find a band name, admitting, “I’m not a vain dude,” but finding a unique and available name has proven challenging.
As Slayer prepares for upcoming shows, King remains dedicated to his musical journey, determined to leave a lasting impact both within and beyond the metal community.
