Thrash metallic as a style missed one in all 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 last bow on November thirtieth, the Angel of Loss of life soared free for a last time…
Happily for legions of pentagram-worshipping admirers, myself included, the unexpected announcement of Slayer‘s return arrived in 2024 – after practically 5 years of that “last 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 brazenly aired within the prior weeks.
Possibly for a band like Slayer, retirement was by no means going to final, as a lot because it appeared lifeless severe on the finish of that present in LA. Their two reunion reveals within the U.S. (a 3rd was canceled resulting from Hurricane Helene) final 12 months reminded us of their unmatched vitality and pulverizing energy, cementing their already legendary standing as some of the essential 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 Physique Depend frontman Ice-T just lately sat down with, Steel Hammer, and mirrored on their return to the reside levels, and on what makes the band so particular. Slayer‘s covers have been a staple of Physique Depend‘s reside setlist for some time, so it is no shock Ice-T has them in excessive regard.
“I all the time anticipated it might occur,” Ice-T shared, talking concerning the band’s return. “Kerry King has come out and performed his personal band, however it’s not gonna take a lot to get them again collectively. It is totally different when a gaggle retires in comparison with when a gaggle breaks up. When a gaggle breaks up, chances are you’ll by no means see them once more. However when a gaggle retires, that is simply taking a break. I am like, ‘Yeah, meaning they’re going to retire from the ritual of touring, however they’re going to play one-off gigs down the street.’ The worst factor is to retire and no person provides a f*** and folks go, ‘Good riddance,’ however that is by no means gonna occur with Slayer, is it?!”
Ice-T additionally addressed the opportunity of new music from the band: “In fact. You all the time need 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 capability to create a sound that is still unparalleled: “Slayer‘s a one-off band. There is no group like them. They created a sound — they’re the bar so far as precision, this quick factor that is aware of how one can cease on a dime. Physique Depend have been lucky sufficient to work with them; they’ve allowed us to cowl them. We’re in debt to Slayer ceaselessly.”
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