LOS ANGELES, CA (Monday, February 05, 2024) – Midnight in Los Angeles, November 30, 2019: An electrifying atmosphere in the Forum as Slayer’s Kerry King steps to the center of the stage to lift his famous chains one last time in the spotlight. They crash onto the stage and mark the King’s departure. For the time being!
„I quickly realized that it wasn’t over yet. I had absolutely no plans never to play again.“- Kerry King
With plenty of new material for two full albums, all of which was penned by King, his long-awaited solo project would probably have seen the light of day in 2020 had it not been for the COVID pandemic. For his debut album, which will be released on May 17 via Reigning Phoenix Music and bears the meaningful title From Hell I Rise, lead guitarist King has gathered the „who’s who“ of the scene around him. Paul Bostaph (Slayer) is an old acquaintance on drums. King was able to recruit Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah) for the bass position, who completes the string section with lead guitarist Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head). Vocals are provided by none other than Mark Osegueda (Death Angel). Produced by Josh Wilbur (Korn, Lamb Of God, Avenged Sevenfold, Bad Religion), From Hell I Rise was mostly recorded within two weeks at Henson Studios (Los Angeles, CA). King’s solo album was completed last June.
You know, I didn’t know what to think, he’s Kerry King from Slayer, who I’ve heard a million times,“ Wilbur looks back. „He’s just present. I wouldn’t say Kerry has an over-inflated ego either, but he has a healthy confidence, which is a good thing. That’s exactly what you imagine a rock star to be and what you want in a band. He never comes across as a jerk or a bad guy. But he knows exactly what he wants and doesn’t beat around the bush. He doesn’t just say: ‚That’s not possible‘, but knows exactly how he wants things to be. Very direct, but always with the necessary level of respect and skill. I really enjoyed working with Kerry.“
According to King, his new material deals with „various religious and war-related themes. Musically between heavy riffs, punky interludes as well as doomy and dark elements. All of this mixed with a hellish speed.“ King adds: „If you’ve ever liked Slayer at any stage of our career, there’s something on this record that you’ll like, be it classic punk, fast punk, thrash or just heavy metal!“
The first track, „Idle Hands“, from King’s solo project was also released today. Fast-paced and aggressive, the song pushes you against the wall and leaves you breathless, craving for more. Listen to „Idle Hands“ here:
King concludes: „Even with a completely finished album in my hands, I still have an enormous number of songs up my sleeve that need to be completed. Here I know what I have to do… Music first, metal second. It’s been a part of my life for 40 years and I’m far from finished.“