SLAYER - 1980 and Beyond Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information

Lombardo was born in Havana, Cuba in 1965, but his family moved to Los Angeles when he was just two years old. He began playing drums at a young age and quickly developed a love for heavy metal music, citing bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden as early influences. In the early 1980s, Lombardo co-founded the thrash metal band Slayer along with guitarist Kerry King and vocalist/bassist Tom Araya.

With Lombardo on drums, Slayer quickly became one of the most influential and successful bands in the thrash metal scene. Their 1986 album "Reign in Blood" is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time, featuring Lombardo's lightning-fast drumming and complex rhythms on tracks like "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood." Lombardo's playing on "Reign in Blood" set a new standard for thrash metal drumming and helped cement Slayer's place in heavy metal history.

Lombardo's playing continued to evolve over the years, and he became known for his technical skill, complex rhythms, and ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music. In addition to his work with Slayer, Lombardo has played with a wide range of other artists, including Testament, Fantômas, Grip Inc., and Suicidal Tendencies. He has also collaborated with musicians outside of the heavy metal genre, including avant-garde jazz saxophonist John Zorn.

One of Lombardo's most notable collaborations was with guitarist Mike Patton in the experimental supergroup Fantômas. The band's music was a fusion of heavy metal, avant-garde jazz, and noise rock, and Lombardo's playing was a key component of their sound. His ability to seamlessly transition between different time signatures and rhythms was especially evident in Fantômas' music, and his technical proficiency on the drums was a perfect complement to Patton's experimental vocals.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Lombardo has remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He has been praised by fans, fellow musicians, and critics alike for his technical skill, innovation, and contributions to heavy metal music. In recognition of his achievements, Lombardo was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016.

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.

From an early age, Hanneman showed a deep passion for music. He began playing the guitar as a teenager, heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and punk rock movements. In 1981, along with Kerry King, Tom Araya, and Dave Lombardo, Hanneman formed Slayer in Huntington Park, California. The band quickly gained recognition for their aggressive style, combining elements of speed, intensity, and dark lyrical themes.

As Slayer's lead and rhythm guitarist, Hanneman played a vital role in defining the band's signature sound. His riffs and solos showcased his technical prowess and creativity, contributing to the band's success in the thrash metal scene. Alongside Kerry King, the duo formed a formidable guitar partnership, creating some of metal's most iconic guitar harmonies and blistering solos.

Throughout his career with Slayer, Hanneman co-wrote many of the band's classic songs, including "Raining Blood," "Angel of Death," "South of Heaven," and "War Ensemble." These tracks, characterized by their aggressive energy, complex structures, and dark themes, solidified Slayer's reputation as pioneers of extreme metal.

In addition to his musical talent, Hanneman was known for his distinctive stage presence. With his long hair, signature bandanas, and leather attire, he embodied the essence of a thrash metal guitarist. His fierce and intense performances captivated audiences around the world, further elevating Slayer's status as one of the most revered live acts in the metal scene.

Tragically, in early 2011, Hanneman contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a rare flesh-eating disease, from a spider bite. The infection severely affected his health and led to his absence from Slayer's touring activities. Despite his condition, Hanneman continued to contribute to the band's music and songwriting.

On 2 May 2013, Jeff Hanneman passed away at the age of 49 due to liver failure in a Southern California hospital. His death sent shockwaves through the metal community, as fans and fellow musicians mourned the loss of a true metal legend. Hanneman's impact on the genre and his contributions to Slayer's discography continue to resonate with fans, inspiring countless musicians and shaping the future of thrash metal.

Jeff Hanneman's legacy lives on through his music, which remains a testament to his extraordinary talent and creativity. His influence on the world of metal, both as a guitarist and songwriter, is immeasurable, and he will always be remembered as an integral part of Slayer's monumental journey.

Araya's passion for music began at an early age. Growing up in a musical household, he was exposed to a variety of genres, including traditional Latin music. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the music industry.

In his teenage years, Araya joined a band called "Tradewinds". Although their success was limited, this experience served as a stepping stone for Araya's musical journey. Little did he know that his path would soon intersect with other talented musicians, giving rise to one of the most influential thrash metal bands of all time.

In 1981, Araya became a founding member of "Slayer", alongside guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, as well as drummer Dave Lombardo. The band quickly gained recognition for their aggressive and fast-paced sound, characterized by intricate guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and Araya's distinctive vocals.

With Araya at the helm, Slayer released a series of groundbreaking albums that solidified their status as pioneers of the thrash metal genre. Their debut album, "Show No Mercy" (1983), showcased their raw energy and set the stage for their subsequent releases, including "Reign in Blood" (1986), "South of Heaven" (1988), and "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990). These albums pushed the boundaries of heavy metal and influenced countless bands in the years to come.

Tom Araya's contributions to Slayer extended beyond his vocal and bass guitar skills. He was also involved in the songwriting process, co-writing some of the band's most memorable songs. His lyrical themes often explored controversial and dark subjects, including warfare, religion, and serial killers, reflecting the band's confrontational and provocative approach.

Over the course of Slayer's career, they achieved considerable success, earning multiple Grammy nominations and selling millions of albums worldwide. They toured extensively, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and contributing to the band's legendary status.

In 2018, after nearly four decades of influencing the metal scene, Slayer announced their farewell tour, signaling the end of an era. The band performed their final show in November 2019, leaving a lasting impact on the metal community and cementing their place in heavy metal history.

Tom Araya's tenure in Slayer spanned over three decades, making him one of the longest-standing members of the band. His distinctive voice, formidable bass playing, and stage presence contributed significantly to Slayer's success and helped shape the sound of thrash metal.

Beyond his work with Slayer, Araya has also collaborated with other artists and contributed guest vocals on various projects. While the future of his musical career remains uncertain, there is no doubt that Tom Araya's contributions to heavy metal will continue to be celebrated and appreciated by generations of metal fans worldwide.