Kerry King: The Architect of Thrash Metal

- A Guitar Legend Who Defined the Sound of Slayer and Shaped Heavy Metal History

Kerry Ray King (born June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles, California) is a legendary American guitarist, best known as a founding member of Slayer. With his aggressive riffing, blistering solos, and dark songwriting, he helped define thrash metal. Co-founding Slayer in 1981, he shaped classics like Reign in Blood. After Slayer’s 2019 farewell tour, his legacy remains a cornerstone of metal.

KERRY KING - Guitars

Kerry King (real-name: Kerry Ray King) , born on 3 June 1964, in Los Angeles, California, is a renowned American guitarist best known as one of the founding members and lead guitarists of the influential thrash metal band Slayer. With his aggressive playing style, intricate solos, and dark and intense songwriting, King has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal.

From a young age, Kerry King showed a strong passion for music and began playing guitar in his early teens. Influenced by the likes of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Venom, he gravitated towards the burgeoning thrash metal scene that was gaining momentum in the 1980s.

In 1981, King co-founded Slayer alongside Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya, and Dave Lombardo. The band's raw energy, fast-paced rhythms, and controversial lyrics set them apart from their contemporaries, and they quickly gained a loyal following. With their debut album, "Show No Mercy" (1983), Slayer established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal world.

Throughout Slayer's career, Kerry King played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound. His aggressive, high-speed riffing, combined with his use of unconventional guitar techniques such as tremolo picking and dissonant chord progressions, became trademarks of the Slayer sound. King's guitar solos, known for their blistering speed and intricate shredding, pushed the boundaries of technicality and set a new standard for metal guitar playing.

Slayer released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Reign in Blood" (1986), "South of Heaven" (1988), "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990), and "God Hates Us All" (2001). These albums solidified Slayer's reputation as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

King's stage presence and image were as fierce as his playing. Sporting long hair, covered in tattoos, and often seen wearing spiked armbands and leather, he embodied the essence of heavy metal. His commanding presence on stage, along with his aggressive headbanging and lightning-fast guitar solos, made Slayer's live performances legendary.

In addition to his work with Slayer, Kerry King has collaborated with other musicians over the years, including playing guest solos on albums by bands like Pantera and Marilyn Manson. He also released a signature line of guitars through BC Rich, showcasing his unique style and preferences.

In 2019, Slayer embarked on their farewell tour, titled "The Final Campaign," marking the end of the band's illustrious career. The tour concluded in November 2019, leaving a void in the metal world that will not easily be filled.

Kerry King's impact on the world of heavy metal cannot be overstated. His aggressive playing style, innovative songwriting, and uncompromising attitude have inspired countless guitarists and bands. His contributions to Slayer's discography and his influence on the evolution of thrash metal have secured his place in the world of music history.

Slayer: The Thrash Metal Pioneers and Controversial Legends of Heavy Music

SLAYER – Black Serenade
SLAYER – Black Serenade album front cover vinyl record

"Black Serenade" is not an official Slayer album. Released in Germany, it compiles various bonus tracks and B-sides, likely sourced from singles and EPs. While the vinyl itself might be a collector's item

Black Serenade 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Christ Illusion
SLAYER - Christ Illusion album front cover vinyl record

Slayer’s Christ Illusion (2006) marked the return of drummer Dave Lombardo and showcased the band’s aggressive thrash sound. Featuring Grammy-winning tracks ‘Eyes of the Insane’ and ‘Final Six,’ the album’s controversial Larry Carroll artwork and themes of war and religion cement it as a standout in Slayer’s legendary discography.

Christ Illusion 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Diabolus in Musica
SLAYER - Diabolus in Musica album front cover vinyl record

One of the standout features on "Diabolus in Musica" is the songwriting contributions of guitarist Jeff Hanneman. Known for his powerful riffs and dark lyrical themes, Hanneman's influence is palpable throughout the record.

Diabolus in Musica 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Eyes of the Insane
SLAYER - Eyes of the insane (Red Vinyl) album front cover vinyl record

"Eyes of the Insane" is the 2006 single by Slayer, taken from their 2006 album Christ Illusion. The lyrics explore an American soldier's mental anguish following his return home from the second Gulf War

Eyes of the insane (Red Vinyl) 7" Vinyl Single
SLAYER - God Hates Us All
SLAYER - God Hates Us All album front cover vinyl record

The album opens with the track "Darkness of Christ," which features a sample from a speech by actress Gina Gershon in the film "Bound." This sample sets the stage for the rest of the album, as it is a chilling and ominous

God Hates Us All 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (Canadian & USA Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (Canadian & USA Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Slayer's 1984 EP "Haunting the Chapel" showcased their evolving thrash metal sound. Despite sharing the same haunting cover as the US release, the Canadian Banzai 12" Vinyl LP edition holds collector's appeal

SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (1984, Canada) SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (1984, USA)
SLAYER - Hell Awaits
SLAYER - Hell Awaits album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1985, "Hell Awaits" was the sophomore album from Slayer, following their debut opus, "Show No Mercy." It marked a significant evolution in their sound, as they delved deeper into the dark and macabre territories

Hell Awaits 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Live in Montreux 2002
SLAYER - Live in Montreux 2002 album front cover vinyl record

Slayer's "Live in Montreux - 2002" captures their fiery 2002 performance at the Swiss Jazz Festival. This double LP unleashes thrash anthems like "Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death" on hot wax,

Live in Montreux 2002 12" Vinyl 2LP
SLAYER - Live Undead (Two different versions) 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Live Undead (Two different versions) album front cover vinyl record

This reissue includes the bone-crushing bonus track "Chemical Warfare," a studio scorcher that complements the raw energy of the live recordings.

SLAYER - Live Undead ( Record Label with Blood Dripping AXE ) SLAYER - Live Undead (Record Label with Red Guitar)
SLAYER - Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel
SLAYER - Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel Ltd Ed Blue album front cover vinyl record

Calling all thrash maniacs and Slayer disciples! A sonic assault from the band's early days is back for a limited pressing on stunning blue vinyl. "Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel" combines the raw energy of Slayer's

Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel Ltd Ed Blue 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Reign in Blood
SLAYER - Reign in Blood album front cover vinyl record

Slayer’s Reign in Blood (1986) is a thrash metal masterpiece renowned for its relentless speed and aggression. Featuring iconic tracks like ‘Angel of Death’ and ‘Raining Blood,’ the album set a new standard for the genre. Its dark themes and technical brilliance earned critical acclaim, making it a landmark release in heavy metal history and a pivotal influence on countless bands.

Reign in Blood 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Seasons in the Abyss
SLAYER - Seasons in the Abyss album front cover vinyl record

This album Seasons in the Abyss is the fifth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. It was released on 9 October 1990, through Def American Records, and later through American Recordings

Seasons in the Abyss 12" Vinyl LP
SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Black & Coloured Vinyl Versions)
SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Black & Coloured Vinyl Versions) album front cover vinyl record

"Show No Mercy" Three different versions of coloured vinyl, originally released in December 1983. Brian Slagel signed the band to Metal Blade after watching the band perform the song "Phantom of the Opera" by Iron Maiden.

SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Black Vinyl, Netherlands) SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Grey Vinyl, UK SLAYER - Show No Mercy (White Vinyl, UK)
SLAYER - South of Heaven
SLAYER - South of Heaven album front cover vinyl record

Slayer’s South of Heaven (1988) marks a turning point in their discography, introducing a slower, more atmospheric approach while retaining their trademark aggression. The album showcases tracks like ‘Mandatory Suicide’ and the title track, which became live staples. This release pushed the boundaries of thrash metal, cementing Slayer’s reputation as one of the genre’s most innovative and influential bands.

South of Heaven 12" Vinyl LP