Inside Kerry King’s New Journey: A Deep Dive into His Solo Career After Slayer
Frank Godla recently sat down with legendary guitarist Kerry King to discuss his journey after Slayer, his decision to venture into solo work, and the intricate decisions and challenges that came with it. King, known for his intense presence and enduring influence in the metal world, shared insights into both the personal and professional transformations he’s experienced as he steps out from the Slayer shadow and into a new phase of his career. Here, we delve into the highlights from the conversation, capturing Kerry’s thoughts on his new project, creative freedom, band dynamics, and more.
Embracing Change and a Solo Identity
After Slayer’s final bow in 2019, King found himself at a crossroads. For over 30 years, Slayer had been his life—a band that helped shape thrash metal into a force recognized worldwide. However, a new challenge awaited him as he transitioned into a solo project. Rather than forming a band under a new name, King decided to keep things simple and authentic by using his own name, “Kerry King.” He explained that the decision reflects the personal nature of this new chapter, highlighting that it’s more about self-expression and the creative liberation that comes from a direct connection with fans.
King shared that calling the project after himself feels liberating because there’s no name to hide behind; it’s just him and his music. This also brings a degree of vulnerability and accountability. “Going solo feels like a new start, but one that I’m ready to take on. I’ve been part of something huge, and now I get to carry that forward with my vision,” he said.
The Mindset Shift: From Slayer to Solo
The shift from Slayer to his own project involved a dramatic mental adjustment for King. He spoke about how moving away from the collective mindset of Slayer allowed him to reconnect with his own artistic voice. While he thrived in the collaborative chaos of Slayer, going solo enabled him to take full creative control without needing to consider how his choices would impact other members or the Slayer legacy.
“The mental process was completely different,” King said. “When you’re in Slayer, you’re contributing to a shared entity. Now, I can follow my own impulses and explore sounds that are entirely my own. It’s refreshing but also intense—every decision is on my shoulders, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Personal Growth and New Habits
One major change King implemented in his life was his decision to stop drinking before performances. Known for his hard-hitting energy and raw performance style, King realized that staying clear-minded was essential to giving his best on stage. Reflecting on his 40-year career, he shared, “I’ve learned that being sharp, being present, is crucial. I used to be able to handle it all, but now I want to make sure I’m at my peak every time I’m up there.”
This decision exemplifies King’s evolution, demonstrating a shift from the intensity of his Slayer days to a more measured approach in his solo endeavor. It’s a testament to his commitment to growth, even after achieving iconic status.
Assembling the Band and Excluding Gary Holt
In forming his new band, King was highly selective, aiming to find musicians who could help him push his sound forward. Long-time collaborator Paul Bostaph joined him, a choice rooted in their shared history and mutual respect. Their connection spans decades, and King mentioned that Bostaph’s reliability and skill made him an obvious choice.
When asked why fellow Slayer guitarist Gary Holt wasn’t involved, King explained that it wasn’t about any tension; rather, he simply wanted to build something different, a new configuration that would distinguish his solo work from Slayer. King respects Holt immensely, crediting him with keeping Slayer’s spirit alive during tough times, but ultimately wanted to create a sound that would reflect his personal style without blending too closely with Slayer’s legacy.
The Challenges of Creating a Solo Album
Diving into the technical side of his solo project, King confessed that the process was far from easy. Used to Slayer’s team dynamic, he initially found himself struggling to adapt to the solitary nature of writing and producing a solo album. One of the biggest hurdles was working with click tracks—a departure from Slayer’s more organic approach to recording. “It’s a whole new ball game,” King admitted. “I had to adjust my entire approach. I wanted it to sound like me but still have that tight, aggressive vibe.”
Another challenge was striking a balance between Slayer’s sound and something fresh. King didn’t want to abandon the aggression that fans love, but he also wanted room to grow. This delicate line has been difficult but essential, as he experiments with new techniques while preserving the intensity for which he’s known.
Dave Lombardo vs. Paul Bostaph: A Comparative Insight
Loyal Slayer fans have long debated the contributions of drummers Dave Lombardo and Paul Bostaph. While Lombardo’s technical prowess helped establish Slayer’s sound, Bostaph’s endurance and adaptability made him an equally important figure. King offered an insightful take on their differences, stating, “Dave is a monster on drums, and Paul is just as intense. Each brought a unique energy to Slayer, but Paul and I have had years to develop a chemistry that is unparalleled. In my solo work, that connection is invaluable.”
The Slayer Reunion and Farewell
One of the most poignant parts of the interview came when King recounted how the Slayer farewell tour came together. Despite initial hesitations, the band eventually decided that a reunion was a fitting way to honor their legacy. However, they were unprepared for the overwhelming response from fans. King recalled the outpouring of emotion, with audiences that ranged from old-school fans to a younger generation who had discovered Slayer’s music long after their heyday. “The reaction was surreal,” he said. “It was clear Slayer was bigger than any of us realized.”
Despite the reunion, King is firm about the end of Slayer. He’s repeatedly emphasized that the band’s status remains unchanged—they’ve closed that chapter, and it’s unlikely to be reopened. His focus now is solely on his solo career, a new band with a clear direction and goal.
Jeff Hanneman, Punk Rock, and Musical Diversity
Reflecting on his late friend and bandmate, Jeff Hanneman, King expressed deep gratitude for the role Hanneman played in his musical growth. It was Hanneman who introduced King to punk rock, an influence that would ultimately help shape Slayer’s distinct sound. King’s solo project will likely reflect this wide-ranging taste in music, drawing from diverse influences that range beyond metal.
Surprisingly, King also shared some of the least “metal” music he listens to, revealing a fondness for genres that many fans might not expect. This diversity keeps his approach fresh, as he channels various influences into his new project while remaining rooted in his signature style.
The Goal of Kerry King’s Solo Band
As for the future, King envisions his solo project as a continuation of his legacy, with the potential to evolve in ways Slayer never could. The goal isn’t to replicate the past, but to build upon it, pushing the boundaries of what fans expect while still delivering the unfiltered intensity they crave. With his band assembled and a vision in place, King is ready to charge forward, embracing the creative freedom that comes with a solo career.
In conclusion, Kerry King’s journey from Slayer to a solo career represents both a continuation and a transformation. From personal growth and sobriety to assembling a band and navigating the challenges of creating a solo album, King’s commitment to his craft shines through. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans are eagerly awaiting the next wave of music, knowing that even without Slayer, Kerry King will continue to leave his mark on the metal world.
