Kerry King, legendary guitarist of Slayer, has never shied away from a challenge on the fretboard. But even for someone as seasoned as King, some Slayer songs still present a formidable test, particularly when it comes to their breakneck speed. During a recent fan Q&A session with Metal Hammer, King was asked to name the hardest Slayer song he’s ever played. His response? The ferociously fast “Dittohead” from the 1994 album Divine Intervention.
King explained his choice by pointing out the sheer speed of the song, saying, “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!”
Slayer’s Unmatched Speed in Thrash Metal
Slayer has long been one of the defining bands in thrash metal, a genre that itself is synonymous with fast, aggressive guitar playing. But even within this speedy subgenre, Slayer took things to the next level. Their 1986 album Reign in Blood — produced by Rick Rubin — set a new standard for speed, aggression, and intensity. Rubin famously realized that the usual approach to producing rock and metal records wouldn’t work for Reign in Blood, because Slayer’s tempo was unlike anything seen before. He had to push the boundaries of production just to capture the blistering pace of their music.
“Dittohead,” from their later work, continues in this tradition of speed and aggression. Clocking in at just under two minutes and thirty seconds, the song is an unrelenting barrage of fast guitar riffs, rapid-fire drums, and King’s signature solos. It’s a testament to how Slayer constantly pushed the limits of what thrash metal could be — even to the point where their music would occasionally test the physical limits of the band members themselves.
The Challenge of Playing “Dittohead” Live
For King, “Dittohead” represents the pinnacle of Slayer’s speed-driven approach to thrash metal. Its pace is so extreme that even he, a guitarist renowned for his precision and endurance, finds it daunting. It’s one thing to nail a fast riff in the studio with multiple takes and time to rest in between, but quite another to play it live night after night. The sheer intensity of performing “Dittohead” on stage, where there’s no room for error or a chance to catch your breath, would be a herculean task.
And it’s not just about keeping up with the song’s speed — it’s about maintaining Slayer’s trademark aggression and energy throughout the performance. Slayer’s live shows have always been notorious for their ferocity, and trying to keep that level of intensity up while playing something as technically demanding as “Dittohead” adds an extra layer of difficulty.
King admits that while he loves the challenge, there’s a reason “Dittohead” hasn’t been a staple of Slayer’s setlists in recent years. “It’s not one I’m looking to play live any time soon!” he remarked, acknowledging that some Slayer songs are better suited to the studio than the stage.
Finding the Balance Between Speed and Riff Clarity
Despite Slayer’s reputation for high-speed thrash, Kerry King has also come to appreciate the importance of balance in their music. While discussing his solo debut From Hell I Rise earlier this year, King talked about the fine line between playing fast and playing too fast. He noted that if a song is played too quickly, the riff can get lost in the noise, which can detract from the song’s overall impact.
“There’s a fine line between playing fast, and too fast. Because, if you get too fast and don’t let the riff breathe, the riff gets lost in the song,” King explained. This balance between speed and clarity is something Slayer learned over time, and it helped them maintain their unique sound — one that combines raw aggression with razor-sharp precision.
King credits his late bandmate Jeff Hanneman for influencing this approach. Hanneman, who passed away in 2013, was deeply into punk music, which often emphasized speed and simplicity over technicality. His punk sensibilities helped shape Slayer’s early sound and pushed King to embrace the idea that speed isn’t everything. It’s about knowing when to push the tempo and when to pull back and let a riff breathe. This understanding allowed Slayer to create some of the most memorable and intense thrash metal songs ever recorded.
The Legacy of Jeff Hanneman’s Riffs
Speaking of Hanneman, King was also asked during the Q&A to name his favorite riff written by his longtime guitar partner. Unsurprisingly, King singled out “Raining Blood” from Reign in Blood, one of Slayer’s most iconic songs. But for King, it wasn’t just one riff that stood out — it was the entire song.
“That’s difficult,” King admitted when asked to choose a favorite. “I have to say ‘Raining Blood.’ 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 a masterpiece of thrash metal, and its opening riff has become one of the most recognizable in the genre. The song encapsulates everything that made Slayer great: speed, aggression, technicality, and a sense of impending doom. Hanneman’s riffs, particularly in “Raining Blood,” were the backbone of Slayer’s sound, and they continue to influence metal guitarists to this day.
Hanneman’s contribution to Slayer’s music can’t be overstated. His songwriting, along with King’s, defined the band’s career and helped shape the direction of thrash metal as a whole. Even after his passing, his riffs live on, not just in Slayer’s recorded music, but in the countless bands that have been inspired by his work.
Conclusion: Slayer’s Relentless Pursuit of Speed and Power
Kerry King’s comments about “Dittohead” and Jeff Hanneman’s legacy offer a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of playing in one of thrash metal’s most influential bands. Slayer’s music pushed the boundaries of speed and aggression, often testing the limits of what the human body can do. Songs like “Dittohead” represent the pinnacle of that approach, while tracks like “Raining Blood” show the power of a well-crafted riff.
For King, the challenge of playing these songs is part of what makes Slayer’s music so special. It’s not just about playing fast — it’s about playing with precision, power, and emotion. And while some songs may be too fast for the live stage, they remain an essential part of Slayer’s legacy, showcasing the band’s unmatched speed and technical prowess.
