Slayer: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Slayer_1983_press_photo.png|Slayer 1983 press photo|thumb]] [[File:Jeff_Hanneman_f9e_o.jpg|Jeff Hanneman f9e o|thumb|left]] [[File:14-06-08_RiP_Slayer_Kerry_King_1.JPG|14-06-08 RiP Slayer Kerry King 1|thumb|left]] [[File:14-06-08_RiP_Slayer_Tom_Araya_2.JPG|14-06-08 RiP Slayer Tom Araya 2|thumb]] [[File:Bostaph.jpg|Bostaph|thumb]] [[File:Dave_Lombardo.jpg|Dave Lombardo|thumb]] '''Slayer''' is an American [[thrash metal]] band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists [[Kerry King]] and [[Jeff Hanneman]]. Slayer's fast and aggressive musical style made them one of the "big four" bands of thrash metal, alongside [[Metallica]], [[Megadeth]], and [[Anthrax]]. The band's lyrics and album art, which cover topics such as murder, serial killers, torture, genocide, politics, religion, and warfare, have generated album bans, delays, lawsuits, and criticism from religious groups and the public.
[[File:Slayer 1983 press photo.png|thumb]] [[File:Jeff Hanneman f9e o.jpg|thumb]] [[File:14-06-08 RiP Slayer Kerry King 1.JPG|thumb]] [[File:14-06-08 RiP Slayer Tom Araya 2.JPG|thumb]] {{Infobox musical artist
| name = Slayer
| background = group_or_band
| origin = Huntington Park, California, U.S.
| genre = [[Thrash metal]]
| years_active = 1981–2019
| label = Metal Blade, Def Jam, American, Nuclear Blast
| associated_acts = [[Exodus (American band)|Exodus]], [[Testament (band)|Testament]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]]
}}
 
'''Slayer''' was an American [[thrash metal]] band from Huntington Park, California. Formed in 1981 by guitarists [[Kerry King]] and [[Jeff Hanneman]], drummer [[Dave Lombardo]], and bassist/vocalist [[Tom Araya]], Slayer is considered one of the "[[Big Four of Thrash Metal]]" alongside [[Metallica]], [[Megadeth]], and [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]].


==History==
==History==
===Early years and rise to fame (1981–1986)===
Slayer was founded in 1981 when Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman met and decided to form a band. They recruited Dave Lombardo and Tom Araya to complete the lineup. The band quickly gained a reputation for their fast and aggressive musical style, which was characterized by rapid tempos, complex guitar riffs, and Araya's distinctive vocal delivery.
Slayer was formed in 1981 when guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman decided to start a band, recruiting drummer [[Dave Lombardo]] and bassist/vocalist [[Tom Araya]] to complete the lineup. The band started by playing covers of [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Judas Priest]] songs at parties and clubs in Southern California. They recorded their debut album, ''[[Show No Mercy]]'', in 1983, which was financed by King's father. The album gained attention in the underground metal community and led to a tour across the United States.
 
===Early Years (1981–1986)===
Slayer's early work was heavily influenced by the [[New Wave of British Heavy Metal]] and bands like [[Venom (band)|Venom]] and [[Judas Priest]]. Their debut album, ''[[Show No Mercy]]'', was released in 1983 on [[Metal Blade Records]]. Despite limited promotion, the album sold well and established Slayer as a formidable force in the metal scene.


===Reign in Blood and mainstream success (1986–1994)===
===Breakthrough and Success (1986–1990)===
Slayer's third album, ''[[Reign in Blood]]'' (1986), is considered a landmark in the thrash metal genre. Produced by [[Rick Rubin]], the album was Slayer's first release on Rubin's Def American label (later renamed to American Recordings) and became one of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time. Its graphic lyrical content and aggressive playing style solidified Slayer's position in the metal world.
In 1986, Slayer released ''[[Reign in Blood]]'', produced by [[Rick Rubin]]. The album is often cited as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. Its opening track, "[[Angel of Death (Slayer song)|Angel of Death]]", sparked controversy due to its lyrical content, but the album's critical and commercial success cemented Slayer's status in the metal community.


Following ''Reign in Blood'', Slayer released several albums that maintained or increased their popularity, including ''[[South of Heaven]]'' (1988) and ''[[Seasons in the Abyss]]'' (1990). These albums saw the band experimenting with slower tempos and more complex song structures without sacrificing the intensity and aggression that had become their hallmark.
===Continued Evolution (1990–2010)===
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Slayer continued to release albums and tour extensively. Albums like ''[[Seasons in the Abyss]]'' and ''[[God Hates Us All]]'' showcased the band's ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound. Despite lineup changes, including the departure and return of Dave Lombardo, Slayer remained a dominant force in metal.


===Later years and final album (1995–2019)===
===Final Years and Disbandment (2010–2019)===
Slayer continued to release albums and tour extensively through the 1990s and 2000s. Despite lineup changes, including the departure and later return of drummer Dave Lombardo and the death of guitarist Jeff Hanneman in 2013, the band maintained its status as one of the leading acts in heavy metal. Slayer announced in 2018 that they would embark on a final world tour, which concluded in November 2019, marking the end of the band's career.
In 2013, Jeff Hanneman passed away due to liver failure, a significant loss for the band. Slayer continued to perform and released their final studio album, ''[[Repentless]]'', in 2015. In 2018, the band announced their farewell tour, which concluded in 2019, marking the end of Slayer's nearly four-decade-long career.


==Musical style and influences==
==Musical Style and Influence==
Slayer's music is characterized by its fast tempos, shredding guitar solos, and complex guitar riffs, combined with shouting vocals. The band's sound was heavily influenced by early [[heavy metal]] and [[hard rock]] bands, as well as British bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. However, Slayer's approach was far more aggressive and fast-paced, drawing inspiration from [[hardcore punk]] bands as well.
Slayer's music is characterized by its fast tempos, intricate guitar work, and aggressive vocals. Their lyrical themes often explore topics such as death, war, and the occult, which have sometimes led to controversy and criticism. Despite this, Slayer's influence on the thrash metal genre and heavy metal as a whole is undeniable. They have inspired countless bands and musicians across various genres.


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
Slayer is considered one of the most influential bands in heavy metal history. Their aggressive musical style and controversial lyrics paved the way for countless metal bands. The band's influence extends beyond metal, impacting various music genres and cultures. Slayer's contribution to the thrash metal genre is particularly significant, with ''Reign in Blood'' often cited as one of the greatest metal albums of all time.
Slayer's impact on the metal scene is profound. They are credited with helping to define the thrash metal genre and have influenced a wide range of artists. Their music continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike, and their legacy endures through their recordings and the bands they have inspired.
 
==Discography==
* ''Show No Mercy'' (1983)
* ''Hell Awaits'' (1985)
* ''Reign in Blood'' (1986)
* ''South of Heaven'' (1988)
* ''Seasons in the Abyss'' (1990)
* ''Divine Intervention'' (1994)
* ''Diabolus in Musica'' (1998)
* ''God Hates Us All'' (2001)
* ''Christ Illusion'' (2006)
* ''World Painted Blood'' (2009)
* ''Repentless'' (2015)


==Members==
==Also see==
* Tom Araya – bass, vocals
* [[Thrash metal]]
* Kerry King – guitars
* [[Big Four of Thrash Metal]]
* Jeff Hanneman – guitars (1981–2013)
* [[Metallica]]
* Dave Lombardo – drums (1981–1986, 1987–1992, 2001–2013)
* [[Megadeth]]
* Paul Bostaph – drums (1992–2001, 2013–2019)
* [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]]
* Gary Holt – guitars (2011–2019)
* [[Jeff Hanneman]]
* [[Kerry King]]
* [[Dave Lombardo]]
* [[Tom Araya]]


==See also==
{{Authority control}}
* [[List of thrash metal bands]]
* [[Big Four of thrash metal]]


[[Category:American thrash metal musical groups]]
[[Category:American thrash metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1981]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1981]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2019]]
[[Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2019]]
[[Category:Musical quartets from California]]
[[Category:Musical quartets]]
 
[[Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles]]
{{music-stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:32, 9 December 2024

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Birth name
Also known as
Born
OriginHuntington Park, California, U.S.
Died
GenresThrash metal
Occupation(s)
Instrument(s)



Slayer was an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California. Formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, drummer Dave Lombardo, and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, Slayer is considered one of the "Big Four of Thrash Metal" alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

History[edit]

Slayer was founded in 1981 when Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman met and decided to form a band. They recruited Dave Lombardo and Tom Araya to complete the lineup. The band quickly gained a reputation for their fast and aggressive musical style, which was characterized by rapid tempos, complex guitar riffs, and Araya's distinctive vocal delivery.

Early Years (1981–1986)[edit]

Slayer's early work was heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and bands like Venom and Judas Priest. Their debut album, Show No Mercy, was released in 1983 on Metal Blade Records. Despite limited promotion, the album sold well and established Slayer as a formidable force in the metal scene.

Breakthrough and Success (1986–1990)[edit]

In 1986, Slayer released Reign in Blood, produced by Rick Rubin. The album is often cited as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. Its opening track, "Angel of Death", sparked controversy due to its lyrical content, but the album's critical and commercial success cemented Slayer's status in the metal community.

Continued Evolution (1990–2010)[edit]

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Slayer continued to release albums and tour extensively. Albums like Seasons in the Abyss and God Hates Us All showcased the band's ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound. Despite lineup changes, including the departure and return of Dave Lombardo, Slayer remained a dominant force in metal.

Final Years and Disbandment (2010–2019)[edit]

In 2013, Jeff Hanneman passed away due to liver failure, a significant loss for the band. Slayer continued to perform and released their final studio album, Repentless, in 2015. In 2018, the band announced their farewell tour, which concluded in 2019, marking the end of Slayer's nearly four-decade-long career.

Musical Style and Influence[edit]

Slayer's music is characterized by its fast tempos, intricate guitar work, and aggressive vocals. Their lyrical themes often explore topics such as death, war, and the occult, which have sometimes led to controversy and criticism. Despite this, Slayer's influence on the thrash metal genre and heavy metal as a whole is undeniable. They have inspired countless bands and musicians across various genres.

Legacy[edit]

Slayer's impact on the metal scene is profound. They are credited with helping to define the thrash metal genre and have influenced a wide range of artists. Their music continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike, and their legacy endures through their recordings and the bands they have inspired.

Also see[edit]