Kerry King’s New Solo Album: A Tribute to Jeff Hanneman and Slayer’s Legacy
Kerry King, the iconic guitarist known for his work with the legendary band Slayer, has recently confirmed that his late bandmate Jeff Hanneman would have approved of his new solo album, “From Hell I Rise.” In a recent interview with Classic Rock, King expressed his belief that Hanneman would have loved the album, as it embodies themes that were close to Hanneman’s heart – anti-religious sentiments, reflections on war, and expressions of hate.
“From Hell I Rise” marks King’s first solo album since Slayer disbanded in 2019. The album is set to be released on May 17 and features a lineup of talented musicians, including ex-Machine Head/Vio-lence guitarist Phil Demmell, former Hellyeah bassist Kyle Sanders, Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph, and Death Angel vocalist Mark Osgueda.
When asked if he considered taking on vocal duties himself, King admitted that while he has conviction, he doesn’t have the strongest singing voice. However, he did contribute rough vocals on the demos and would have been open to sharing vocal responsibilities with Osgueda. The idea of two passionate, angry voices coming together to scream their message appealed to King.
Interestingly, King announced the release of “From Hell I Rise” just before news broke of Slayer’s reunion for three US festivals later in the year. In an interview with Metal Hammer, King clarified that the reunion was a one-time event to commemorate the five-year anniversary of Slayer’s final shows. He assured fans that there were no plans for new recordings or extensive tours.
For those eager to delve deeper into Kerry King’s thoughts and insights, the full interview can be found in the latest issue of Classic Rock, available for purchase online. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain a unique perspective on King’s creative process, influences, and future plans.
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