Slayer, one of the most influential bands in the thrash metal genre, returned to the stage for the first time since their 2019 farewell tour with a string of rare performances in 2023, including sets at Riot Fest, Louder Than Life, and Aftershock festival. Fans were ecstatic to witness the return of the band that defined the raw, aggressive sound of thrash. Even though these shows brought back the full force of Slayer’s iconic performances, guitarist Kerry King, one of the band’s founding members, has made it clear that not all of Slayer’s catalog is easy to revisit, particularly when it comes to their fastest and most technically demanding songs.
One such song, “Dittohead,” from their 1994 album Divine Intervention, has posed a unique challenge for King. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, King revealed that “Dittohead” is not only one of Slayer’s fastest tracks, but also one that he finds the hardest to play. Known for his blistering speed and precision on the guitar, it’s unusual for King to express hesitation about playing any Slayer song, but “Dittohead” is in a league of its own.
The Speed Challenge of “Dittohead”
Released during a turbulent period for Slayer, Divine Intervention was their first album without founding drummer Dave Lombardo and marked a shift in their sound. “Dittohead,” with its breakneck pace and furious riffing, quickly became a standout track on the album. The song is a sonic assault, clocking in at just under three minutes but packed with a relentless barrage of speed and aggression that is characteristic of Slayer’s signature style.
For Kerry King, “Dittohead” presents a unique challenge even after decades of playing some of the fastest and most intense metal music. He admitted in the Metal Hammer interview that it’s not a song he’s eager to perform live in the near future. “I could go a number of ways with that [question], but I’ll say ‘Dittohead’ for the sheer speed of it. That’s probably our fastest song, and it’s not one I’m looking to play live any time soon!” King said. The track’s frenetic pace pushes the limits of even the most skilled guitarists, and despite King’s experience, it remains a formidable challenge.
Mastering Speed and Precision
For a guitarist as seasoned as Kerry King, speed is rarely an issue. His signature playing style, characterized by rapid alternate picking and aggressive downstrokes, has become a defining feature of Slayer’s sound. Over the years, King has shared tips and techniques for playing fast and with precision, particularly in the context of thrash and extreme metal.
In an interview with Premier Guitar, King provided insight into how he achieves his blistering speed on the guitar. Contrary to what some might believe, King emphasizes the importance of playing from the wrist rather than the elbow. “A lot of people don’t know that they don’t need to play from the elbow,” King explained. “If you want any kind of speed and you want to be articulate, you’ve got to play from the wrist. You’ve got to have as minimal movement as you can.”
This advice is particularly relevant when tackling songs like “Dittohead.” The song’s riffs demand not only speed but also precision, and playing from the wrist allows for better control over both aspects. King further elaborated on why the wrist is the key to fast, articulate playing: “The elbow is too far from the pick to be the appropriate hinge for speed. If your action is coming from your wrist, you’ve got a lot more control over the speed and the articulation. That’s how it’s got to be if you want to play this kind of music.”
Slayer’s Return to the Stage
After announcing their retirement in 2019, Slayer’s return to live performances has been met with enthusiasm and excitement from fans worldwide. The band’s decision to play at major festivals like Riot Fest, Louder Than Life, and Aftershock came as a surprise to many who thought they had seen the last of Slayer on stage. These appearances in 2023 were not part of a full-scale reunion or a new tour but were rather rare, one-off performances that allowed the band to reconnect with their fanbase.
At Riot Fest, Slayer delivered a set that reminded everyone of why they are one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. The band’s energy on stage, despite the years away from live performances, was as intense as ever, and they ripped through a setlist of fan favorites, including “Raining Blood,” “Angel of Death,” and “South of Heaven.” However, even with their legendary status, the setlist did not include “Dittohead,” likely due to the song’s demanding speed and complexity.
Slayer’s performances at these festivals also marked the band’s first shows without guitarist Gary Holt, who had filled in for the late Jeff Hanneman during Slayer’s final tours. King, along with bassist and vocalist Tom Araya, led the charge as the core of the band, backed by drummer Paul Bostaph, who has been a longtime member of Slayer’s rotating lineup of drummers.
King’s Solo Career and Future Projects
While Slayer’s return to the stage was a major highlight of 2023, Kerry King has also been focused on his solo career. Since Slayer’s farewell tour in 2019, King has been working on new music outside of Slayer, though details about his solo project remain sparse. Fans of King’s aggressive playing style and distinctive songwriting are eagerly awaiting more news about what he has in store.
Despite his work on solo material, King’s heart clearly remains with Slayer and the legacy they have built. In interviews, King has expressed pride in the band’s body of work and their impact on the metal scene. Tracks like “Dittohead,” even with their challenges, are a testament to the intensity and complexity that Slayer brought to thrash metal. King’s acknowledgment of the difficulty of playing certain songs only adds to the respect that fans have for his technical prowess and dedication to his craft.
The Legacy of “Dittohead” and Slayer’s Speed Thrash
“Dittohead” is not just one of Slayer’s fastest tracks; it’s a song that encapsulates the unrelenting energy and speed that defines much of their music. Released during a time when Slayer was experimenting with new sounds and ideas, Divine Intervention as a whole pushed the boundaries of what thrash metal could be. Songs like “Dittohead” showcased Slayer’s ability to maintain their signature aggression while evolving musically.
The song has since become a fan favorite, despite its infrequent appearances in Slayer’s live sets. Its lightning-fast tempo and technical demands make it a challenge for even the most skilled musicians, but for Slayer fans, it represents the peak of the band’s ability to push the limits of speed and brutality.
As Slayer continues to navigate their future, with sporadic live performances and potential solo projects from King, the band’s legacy remains firmly intact. Songs like “Dittohead” serve as a reminder of Slayer’s contribution to the thrash metal genre and their influence on generations of metal musicians. Whether or not King decides to bring “Dittohead” back into the live setlist, its place in Slayer’s discography as one of their most intense and technically challenging songs is undeniable.
For now, fans can relish the rare opportunities to see Slayer perform live, and while “Dittohead” may be too fast for even Kerry King’s liking, it remains a testament to the band’s enduring influence on the world of metal.
