Thrash metallic as a style missed considered one of its cornerstone acts when Slayer performed the ultimate word of their farewell tour in 2019. The possibility thrashing, moshing, and banging our heads whereas diving into the chaos and energy of their unholy alliance was no extra, and with that ultimate bow on November thirtieth, the Angel of Demise soared free for a ultimate time…
Fortuitously for legions of pentagram-worshipping admirers, myself included, the unexpected announcement of Slayer‘s return arrived in 2024 – after practically 5 years of that “ultimate swing that was not a drill” – sending a jolt by way of the metallic world airwaves, and signaling the comeback so many had dreamed of however few really believed would ever occur. The timing made the information much more shocking – guitarist Kerry King was making ready to launch his debut solo album, and tensions with vocalist Tom Araya had been openly aired in the prior weeks.
Possibly for a band like Slayer, retirement was by no means going to final, as a lot because it seemed lifeless critical on the finish of that present in LA. Their two reunion reveals within the U.S. (a 3rd was canceled attributable to Hurricane Helene) final yr reminded us of their unmatched vitality and pulverizing energy, cementing their already legendary standing as probably the most necessary bands in heavy music. And whereas the group insists no new music is on the horizon, their return proves that their legacy stays unequalled.
Longtime Slayer super-fan and Body Count frontman Ice-T not too long ago sat down with, Metal Hammer, and mirrored on their return to the reside phases, and on what makes the band so particular. Slayer‘s covers have been a staple of Body Count‘s reside setlist for some time, so it is no shock Ice-T has them in excessive regard.
“I at all times anticipated it could occur,” Ice-T shared, talking in regards to the band’s return. “Kerry King has come out and finished his personal band, nevertheless it’s not gonna take a lot to get them again collectively. It is completely different when a gaggle retires in comparison with when a gaggle breaks up. When a gaggle breaks up, you might by no means see them once more. However when a gaggle retires, that is simply taking a break. I am like, ‘Yeah, which means they’re going to retire from the ritual of touring, however they’re going to play one-off gigs down the highway.’ The worst factor is to retire and no one provides a f*** and other people go, ‘Good riddance,’ however that is by no means gonna occur with Slayer, is it?!”
Ice-T additionally addressed the potential of new music from the band: “After all. You at all times wish to hear new music from bands you like. That is like saying Physique Depend should not make a brand new album. They need to do regardless of the f*** they need.”
For Ice-T, Slayer‘s uniqueness lies of their potential to create a sound that continues to be unparalleled: “Slayer‘s a one-off band. There is not any group like them. They created a sound — they’re the bar so far as precision, this quick factor that is aware of find out how to cease on a dime. Body Count have been lucky sufficient to work with them; they’ve allowed us to cowl them. We’re in debt to Slayer endlessly.”
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