Kerry King, the revered guitarist known for his indelible contributions to the thrash metal giants Slayer, is charting a new course in his musical odyssey with the announcement of his debut solo album, “From Hell I Rise,” set for release on May 17th. This much-anticipated project comes on the heels of Slayer’s final show in 2019, where King symbolically left his iconic chain on stage, signaling the end of an era and the dawn of another.
King’s post-Slayer venture is not just a continuation of his musical legacy but a renewal of his thrash metal ethos, as evidenced by the lead single “Idle Hands.” Amassing “two full albums” worth of material since Slayer’s curtain call, King’s solo work promises a familiar ferocity with fresh zeal. The album, featuring King’s signature shredding and solos, is expected to resonate with Slayer aficionados and new listeners alike.
Joining King is a veritable who’s who of thrash metal veterans, including drummer Paul Bostaph (Slayer), bassist Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah), guitarist Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head), and vocalist Mark Osegueda (Death Angel), each bringing their unique prowess to the ensemble. This supergroup, under King’s direction, is poised to deliver a sound that honors the spirit of Slayer while forging its own identity.
Produced by Josh Wilbur, “From Hell I Rise” delves into themes of religion, war, and the human condition, encapsulating the essence of thrash metal’s dark allure. King’s solo endeavor marks a new chapter in a career that has been synonymous with metal’s most aggressive and evocative storytelling. With live performances already slated, King’s solo journey is off to a thunderous start, promising to keep the flame of thrash metal burning bright.
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