Slayer

Birth name
Also known as
Born
Origin	Huntington Park, California, U.S.
Died
Genres	Thrash 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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

• Thrash metal
• Big Four of Thrash Metal
• Metallica
• Megadeth
• Anthrax
• Jeff Hanneman
• Kerry King
• Dave Lombardo
• Tom Araya