Slayer

Slayer is a US thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, Dave Lombardo and Tom Araya. It becomes known for a fast, aggressive style and is often placed among the “big four” of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax.

Line-up and writing

The original line-up includes King, Hanneman and Araya as lyric writers, while King and Hanneman write most of the music. Later members include Paul Bostaph on drums and Gary Holt on guitar. Holt first joins as a touring member in 2011 and becomes a permanent member after Hanneman’s death in 2013. Jon Dette is also a former drummer in the group.

Lyrics, imagery and controversy

Slayer’s lyrics and album artwork deal with serial killers, occultism, terrorism, religion, fascism, racism and war. These themes lead to controversy, including album bans, delayed releases, lawsuits and criticism from religious organisations.

Recordings and recognition

The band releases twelve studio albums, three live albums, a box set, six music videos, two EPs and a cover album. Four studio albums receive gold certification in the United States. Reign in Blood from 1986 is frequently regarded as one of the most influential thrash metal albums. The group also has five Grammy Award nominations and wins twice, for “Eyes of the Insane” in 2007 and “Final Six” in 2008, both from the album Christ Illusion.

Commercial success and later years

According to Nielsen SoundScan, Slayer sells 5 million records in the United States between 1991 and 2013. The band ends in 2019 after a farewell tour.

Studio albums

Show No Mercy (1983), Hell Awaits (1985), Reign in Blood (1986), South of Heaven (1988), Seasons in the Abyss (1990), Divine Intervention (1994), Undisputed Attitude (1996), Diabolus in Musica (1998), God Hates Us All (2001), Christ Illusion (2006), World Painted Blood (2009) and Repentless (2015).