SLAYER has made a thunderous return to the live stage, marking their official reunion after a hiatus since November 2019
The iconic lineup, featuring Tom Araya on bass and vocals, Kerry King and Gary Holt on guitars, and Paul Bostaph on drums, will headline two major festivals this fall: Riot Fest and Louder Than Life.
“Nothing compares to the 90 minutes when we’re on stage playing live, sharing that intense energy with our fans,” Araya said, “and to be honest, we have missed that.” King added: “Have I missed playing live? Absolutely. SLAYER means a lot to our fans; they mean a lot to us. It will be five years since we have seen them.”
So far the following dates have been announced:
Sep. 22 – Riot Fest – Chicago, IL
Sep. 27 – Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY
The news comes after Kerry King revealed earlier this month that he had not been in contact with Tom since SLAYER‘s final show more than four years ago. Despite uncertainties about the band’s future, their upcoming appearances signal a triumphant comeback.
SLAYER bid farewell to their fans with a monumental farewell tour that commenced on May 10, 2018. The band’s intention was to reach as many places as possible, ensuring that fans worldwide had the chance to witness one last SLAYER show. Over the course of the 18-month trek, spanning seven tour legs and multiple major summer festivals, SLAYER performed over 140 shows in 30 countries and 40 U.S. states, culminating in a historic final show at the Forum in Los Angeles.
Despite initial statements suggesting otherwise, SLAYER‘s return to the stage brings new excitement and anticipation for fans eagerly awaiting the chance to once again experience the thrash metal legends in their full glory.
Formed in 1981 in Huntington Park, California, SLAYER emerged as one of the pioneering forces in the thrash metal genre. The band’s lineup initially comprised vocalist and bassist Tom Araya, guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, and drummer Dave Lombardo. With their aggressive sound, dark themes, and blistering speed, the band quickly gained a devoted following within the metal community.
SLAYER‘s debut album, “Show No Mercy,” released in 1983, laid the groundwork for their signature style, characterized by ferocious guitar riffs, intense drumming, and Araya‘s visceral vocals. Their sophomore effort, “Hell Awaits” (1985), further solidified their status as a formidable presence in the burgeoning thrash metal scene.
It was SLAYER‘s third album, “Reign in Blood” (1986), that propelled them to iconic status. Revered as one of the greatest metal albums of all time, “Reign in Blood” showcased the band’s uncompromising approach, with tracks like “Angel of Death” and “Raining Blood” delivering a relentless assault on the senses.
Throughout their career, SLAYER pushed the boundaries of metal music with albums like “South of Heaven” (1988), “Seasons in the Abyss” (1990), and “Divine Intervention” (1994), cementing their reputation as masters of the genre.
Despite lineup changes over the years, including the tragic passing of guitarist Jeff Hanneman in 2013, SLAYER continued to unleash their brand of sonic brutality. Guitarist Gary Holt of EXODUS fame joined the band in 2011, contributing to their final studio albums, “World Painted Blood” (2009) and “Repentless” (2015).
In 2018, SLAYER embarked on their farewell tour, aptly named “The Final Campaign,” bidding farewell to their legions of fans with one last explosive performance. Their impact on the metal scene is immeasurable, influencing countless bands and leaving an indelible mark on the genre.
With a legacy that spans four decades and a discography filled with classics, SLAYER remains an enduring symbol of metal’s raw power and uncompromising spirit. Their name will forever be synonymous with the essence of extreme music, inspiring generations of headbangers to embrace the darkness and embrace the chaos.