The metal world buzzed with excitement when Slayer announced a few upcoming festival appearances, marking five years since what was originally intended as their farewell tour.
Fans and critics alike wondered if this comeback would turn into something more long-term. However, guitarist Kerry King has been quick to set the record straight, telling Metal Hammer that these appearances are meant purely as a celebration, not a stepping stone toward new recordings or a comprehensive tour. With echoes of the initial statements from Pantera, which also left fans guessing, King’s remarks left some hoping and others reconciling with the reality of Slayer’s semi-final bow.
“For me, it’s three shows marking five years since our final shows, a fun, ‘Hey, remember us from before the pandemic?’ celebration,” King stated. According to King, the timing for a full-fledged return isn’t right, and these festival appearances are a unique chance to revisit Slayer’s music without hinting at a revival. He emphasized, “It’s not going to translate into recording, and it’s not going to translate into touring.” While Slayer fans may be slightly disappointed by this finality, they’ll have the opportunity to see the legendary lineup one last time at a few key locations across North America.
Though Slayer’s reunion is short-term, King remains deeply invested in his music career, specifically in his upcoming solo project, From Hell I Rise. Set to debut on May 17, the album has King’s trademark sound but with fresh energy that he feels metal fans will appreciate. Reflecting on the inspiration for his solo work, King shared his excitement about creating music that reflects his passions as a fan himself. “I still write riffs that make me lift my guitar over my head and do a little victory dance because I’m so stoked with how they sound,” he said. He continued, “There’s a whole new energy to this record and a whole new excitement, but it’s not a whole new me, because I’m not finished being me.”
With a long, celebrated career at Slayer’s helm, King’s fans are well-versed in his heavy, aggressive sound and will find familiar elements in his solo work. However, From Hell I Rise will also bring its own sense of newness, crafted in a way that merges King’s iconic style with some contemporary twists. His decision to step into a solo project is a testament to his commitment to metal and personal artistic evolution. “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,” King explained, making it clear that From Hell I Rise is as much a gift to himself as it is to his loyal followers.
Despite Slayer’s temporary reunion, King made it clear that he and his bandmate, bassist and vocalist Tom Araya, have grown apart over the years. As he explained to Metal Hammer, their relationship had transitioned from friendship to a purely business-oriented partnership by the time Slayer’s farewell tour rolled around. King reflected on their differing interests and lifestyles, emphasizing that while there’s no animosity between them, they simply don’t have much in common. “It’s not like I’m angry with him or anything. We’re very different people, and we evolved into business partners at the end of the day. He has very different interests from me and very different outlooks,” he said. “Does that make me hate him? No. But I don’t need to talk to him every day… We just don’t have much in common.”
King’s candid comments reveal the complexities of long-term creative partnerships. He acknowledged that even though he and Araya no longer share a close bond, they’re both professionals capable of putting personal differences aside for the sake of the band’s legacy. “When it comes time to rehearse, I’ll have no problem showing up. We’re professionals, and that’s what we do,” King remarked, emphasizing the professionalism that continues to bind Slayer’s core members, even if the close camaraderie of the past is no longer present.
For fans hoping to catch Slayer one last time, the band will be performing at three major festivals: Riot Fest in Chicago on September 22, Louder Than Life in Louisville on September 27, and Aftershock in Sacramento on October 10. These appearances will undoubtedly serve as a powerful reminder of Slayer’s monumental influence on the metal genre. Their live shows have always been known for their intense energy, technical skill, and visceral impact, and these final performances promise to live up to that legacy.
Meanwhile, King will be hitting the road to promote From Hell I Rise, touring with heavyweights Lamb Of God and Mastodon, who will be playing their acclaimed albums Ashes of the Wake and Leviathan in full. Joining them will be Malevolence, with select dates also featuring Unearth. This tour is set to showcase the enduring appeal of metal’s past while introducing fans to King’s new work, creating a multi-generational experience for concert-goers. The tour kicks off on July 19 in Grand Prairie, Texas, and spans major cities across the U.S. and Canada, eventually concluding in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 31.
The setlist and energy of King’s solo performances will likely reflect the intense, heavy metal style that Slayer fans have long cherished. Yet, fans should expect a more personal, self-reflective vibe, as King’s debut solo project gives him the space to explore his own creative identity. This tour marks a significant moment in King’s career as he steps out from Slayer’s shadow to establish himself as a solo artist while remaining true to his roots. For longtime Slayer fans, From Hell I Rise will be a fresh yet familiar experience, an album that captures King’s distinct style while taking listeners on a new musical journey.
In the end, Slayer’s three commemorative festival appearances might be bittersweet for fans longing for more, but they serve as a reminder of the band’s storied history and unparalleled influence on metal. These performances are a nod to the past and a celebration of the enduring legacy Slayer has built over the decades. And for those eager to see King continue blazing his own path, From Hell I Rise and the accompanying tour promise an exciting new chapter for a guitarist who has been at the heart of metal for decades.
Whether it’s Slayer’s nostalgic reunion or King’s forward-looking solo endeavor, one thing is certain: the spirit of metal remains alive and well, fueled by musicians who continue to push boundaries and explore new horizons. Slayer’s journey may be nearing its end, but for Kerry King, the adventure is only beginning. This year, fans have the chance to experience both the band’s legendary power and King’s personal artistic evolution, a fitting tribute to the legacy of Slayer and a promising glimpse into what lies ahead for one of metal’s most iconic guitarists.
