Kerry King Discusses Slayer’s Toughest Song to Play and Jeff Hanneman’s Greatest Riff Showcase
Slayer, one of thrash metal’s most influential and ferocious bands, remains a symbol of extreme metal mastery, even years after their final show. At the heart of Slayer’s aggressive sound and complex riffs stood Kerry King, a guitar icon known for his uncompromising playing style and hard-edged persona. Yet, even a musician of King’s caliber can find himself challenged by the sheer intensity of some of Slayer’s songs. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, King opened up about which song he finds the hardest to play and reminisced about his late bandmate Jeff Hanneman’s extraordinary talents.
As a guitarist who has spent decades performing Slayer’s fast, technical, and aggressive music, King has a wealth of material to choose from when asked about the hardest Slayer song to play. He revealed that, despite his extensive experience, one particular track still intimidates him when it comes to live performances.
“I could go a number of ways with that [question],” King admitted when asked which Slayer song he finds the most difficult to perform. After some reflection, he pinpointed the song Dittohead, from the band’s 1994 album Divine Intervention. “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!”
Known for its blistering pace and rapid-fire riffing, Dittohead is a whirlwind of thrash energy that pushes the limits of both speed and precision. The song’s ferocity has made it a fan favorite, but it’s also one of the most technically demanding tracks in Slayer’s catalog. King’s admission that he’s not eager to perform it live again speaks to the sheer difficulty of maintaining the level of intensity that the song demands, even for a seasoned guitarist like himself.
Despite Slayer’s intense sound and their reputation for high-speed shredding, King was quick to acknowledge the importance of songwriting and the ability to craft memorable riffs. When asked about his favorite riff written by his late guitar partner, Jeff Hanneman, King was faced with another difficult decision. Hanneman, who passed away in 2013, was not only King’s bandmate but also his creative counterpart, responsible for many of Slayer’s most iconic riffs and songs.
“That’s difficult,” King responded when asked to choose his favorite Hanneman riff. After some thought, he singled out Raining Blood from Slayer’s seminal 1986 album Reign In Blood. “I have to say Raining Blood,” he said. “It’s not just one riff in that song, but a whole showcase. If you pushed me, I’d say the intro too, as people still sing along to that guitar line.”
Raining Blood is widely regarded as one of Slayer’s defining songs, a track that encapsulates everything the band stood for in terms of intensity, speed, and sheer aggression. The opening riff of the song has become iconic in the world of heavy metal, instantly recognizable to fans and musicians alike. King’s praise for the song as a showcase of Hanneman’s talents is a fitting tribute to a guitarist whose influence continues to resonate in the metal world.
Hanneman’s ability to craft such powerful and memorable riffs was a key element in Slayer’s success, and his creative partnership with King was at the core of the band’s sound. Together, the two guitarists created a body of work that helped define the thrash metal genre and inspired countless other musicians. Even years after his passing, Hanneman’s influence remains evident, with younger musicians still drawing inspiration from his groundbreaking work.
Recently, Hanneman’s legacy was further cemented when his wife gifted a rare ESP prototype guitar to Maya Neelakantan, a rising star in the metal scene. The gesture was a poignant reminder of Hanneman’s enduring impact on the next generation of musicians, and King’s reflections on his late bandmate underscore just how significant Hanneman’s contributions were to Slayer’s music.
In addition to discussing the challenges of performing Slayer’s music and Hanneman’s legacy, King also touched on his own musical journey after Slayer’s retirement in 2019. Following Hanneman’s death, Slayer continued to tour and record for another six years, but the band ultimately decided to call it a day, wrapping up their career with a final tour that culminated in a show in Los Angeles in November 2019. For King, adjusting to life after Slayer has been a difficult transition.
In an interview with Guitar World, King confessed that life without Slayer “sucks,” explaining that making music was the only way he knew to stay busy. Earlier this year, King released his first solo album, From Hell I Rise, which marked a new chapter in his career. The album, while showcasing King’s signature thrash style, also allowed him to explore new musical territory and express himself creatively outside the confines of Slayer.
For fans, King’s solo album was a welcome addition to his body of work, providing them with a fresh dose of his trademark aggressive guitar playing. However, the album also underscored the fact that Slayer’s unique chemistry – particularly the dynamic between King and Hanneman – can never truly be replicated. King’s solo work is a testament to his skill and creativity, but it also serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable partnership that he shared with Hanneman.
This summer, Slayer briefly reunited for a series of three festival performances in the U.S., much to the delight of their fans. However, King made it clear that there are no plans for a full-fledged reunion or more shows in the near future. While the reunion shows allowed fans to relive the power and intensity of Slayer’s live performances, they also served as a bittersweet reminder that the band’s era has come to an end.
Slayer’s legacy, however, is firmly intact. The band’s contributions to thrash metal and heavy music as a whole are immeasurable, and their influence continues to shape the genre. For King, the future may lie in his solo career, but his reflections on Hanneman and the challenges of playing Slayer’s music highlight the deep connection he still feels to the band’s past.
Whether through his solo work or the occasional festival appearance, Kerry King remains a key figure in the metal world, and his respect for Hanneman’s talent and legacy ensures that Slayer’s music will continue to inspire and intimidate musicians for generations to come.
