Slayer
Left to right: Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya, Kerry King and Dave Lombardo at the Fields of Rock, June 16, 2007. Jeff Hanneman (born January 31 1964 in Oakland California) is a Guitarist and a founding member of the American Thrash metal band Slayer Tom Araya (born Tomás Enrique Araya June 6, 1961 in Viña del Mar, Chile Araya's older brother played the Guitar Kerry King (born June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles California) is a Guitarist, best known as one of the founding members of the Thrash Dave Lombardo (born February 16 1965 in Havana, Cuba) is a heavy metal Drummer best known for his work with American Thrash metal Fields Of Rock is a Dutch rock music festival It was first conceived in 2002
Background information
Origin	Huntington Park, California, USA
Genre(s)	Thrash metal[1] Heavy metal[1] Speed metal
Years active	1981–present
Label(s)	American, Def Jam, Metal Blade
Associated acts	Whiplash Exodus Fantômas Grip Inc. Testament The Truth About Seafood Megadeth
Website	www.slayer.net
Members
Tom Araya Jeff Hanneman Kerry King Dave Lombardo
Former members
Paul Bostaph Jon Dette Tony Scaglione

Slayer is an American thrash metal band founded by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King in 1981. Huntington Park is a city in Los Angeles County California, United States. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Thrash metal (sometimes referred to simply as thrash) is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its fast tempo and aggression Speed metal is a sub-genre of Heavy metal music originating in the late 1970s and early 1980s that was the direct musical progenitor of Thrash metal. In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music This article is about the record label For the Johnny Cash album released by that same label see American Recordings (album American Recordings Def Jam Recordings is a United States based hip-hop Record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island Artists Current artists 3 The Absence Aeon A Love Ends Suicide(Now Let's Fighting Whiplash was an American Thrash metal / Speed metal band The band was founded in 1984 in Passaic New Jersey by the three Tonys Tony Portaro Exodus is an American Thrash metal band formed in 1980 in San Francisco, California by guitarist Gary Holt, current Metallica Fantômas is an Avant-garde metal supergroup formed in 1998 in California, United States. Grip Inc is a Groove metal band and a side project of Slayer 's drummer Dave Lombardo. Testament is an American Thrash metal band from California. Testament has two Top 40 albums and one Top 50 album to its credit in the UK Truth About Seafood was a 1996 side-project of Paul Bostaph, the drummer of Slayer from 1992-2001 Megadeth is an American heavy metal band led by founder front man guitarist and songwriter Dave Mustaine. Tom Araya (born Tomás Enrique Araya June 6, 1961 in Viña del Mar, Chile Araya's older brother played the Guitar Jeff Hanneman (born January 31 1964 in Oakland California) is a Guitarist and a founding member of the American Thrash metal band Slayer Kerry King (born June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles California) is a Guitarist, best known as one of the founding members of the Thrash Dave Lombardo (born February 16 1965 in Havana, Cuba) is a heavy metal Drummer best known for his work with American Thrash metal Paul Bostaph (born March 6, 1964 in San Francisco California) is a heavy metal Drummer, who has played for the bands Forbidden Jon Dette is a heavy metal drummer who has played for Evildead, Testament and Slayer. WikipediaPersondata --> Tony Scaglione is a Thrash metal drummer and has been a temporary member of Slayer, but is known as one of the Thrash metal (sometimes referred to simply as thrash) is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its fast tempo and aggression A guitarist is a Musician who plays the Guitar. Guitarists may perform solo pieces or play with ensembles and bands of a wide variety of genres Jeff Hanneman (born January 31 1964 in Oakland California) is a Guitarist and a founding member of the American Thrash metal band Slayer Kerry King (born June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles California) is a Guitarist, best known as one of the founding members of the Thrash ^[2] Slayer rose to fame as a leader of the American thrash metal movement with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, which has been called "the heaviest album of all time" by Kerrang!. Reign in Blood is the third Studio album and major label debut by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. Kerrang! is a weekly rock Magazine published by Bauer Consumer Media in the United Kingdom. ^[3] The band is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands, along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth. Metallica is an American heavy metal band that formed in 1981 in. Anthrax is a New York City -based heavy metal band that released its first full-length album in 1984 Megadeth is an American heavy metal band led by founder front man guitarist and songwriter Dave Mustaine.

Slayer is known for its musical traits, involving fast tremolo picking, guitar solos, double bass drumming, and shouting vocals. Tremolo picking or double picking describes the musical technique of picking on a Guitar or other String instrument in which a single note is Guitar solos are a melodic passage section or entire piece of music written for an Electric guitar or an Acoustic guitar. A bass drum is a large Drum that produces a note of low definite or indefinite pitch. The band's lyrics and album art, which cover topics such as death, deviants, genocide, necrophillia, insanity, religion, Satanism, serial killers, and warfare have generated album bans, delays, lawsuits and strong criticism from religious groups and the general public. Genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction in whole or in part of an ethnic racial religious or national group Necrophilia, also called thanatophilia and necrolagnia, is the sexual attraction to corpses For other uses of the word see Satanism (disambiguation. Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context A serial killer is a person who Murders usually three or more people with a "cooling off" period between each murder and whose motivation for killing is largely based War is an international relations Dispute, characterized by organized Violence between National Military units

Since its debut record in 1983, the band has released two live albums, one box set, three DVDs, one VHS, two EPs, and ten albums, four of which have received gold certification in the United States. A live album &ndash commonly contrasted with a Studio album &ndash is a recording consisting of material (usually music recorded during stage performances A box set (sometimes referred to as a boxed set) is a compilation of various musical recordings Films Television programs or other collection An extended play ( EP) is a Vinyl record, CD, or Music download which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of Albums and singles sold through retail and The band has received three Grammy nominations, winning one in 2007 for the song "Eyes of the Insane", and one in 2008 for the song "Final Six". The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences " Eyes of the Insane " is a 2006 single by American Thrash metal band Slayer, taken from their 2006 album Christ Illusion They have headlined music festivals worldwide, including Ozzfest and The Unholy Alliance. Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States (and in some years Europe) featuring performances by many heavy metal and Hard rock The Unholy Alliance is a biennial Heavy metal tour of Europe and North America, with the tag-line "Preaching to the Perverted"

History

Early days (1981–1982)

Slayer formed in 1981, when guitarist Kerry King met Jeff Hanneman while auditioning for a band. Kerry King (born June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles California) is a Guitarist, best known as one of the founding members of the Thrash Jeff Hanneman (born January 31 1964 in Oakland California) is a Guitarist and a founding member of the American Thrash metal band Slayer ^[4] The two recruited bassist and vocalist Tom Araya, who had played with King in a previous band. Tom Araya (born Tomás Enrique Araya June 6, 1961 in Viña del Mar, Chile Araya's older brother played the Guitar Drummer Dave Lombardo was recruited when he met King delivering a pizza. Dave Lombardo (born February 16 1965 in Havana, Cuba) is a heavy metal Drummer best known for his work with American Thrash metal ^[5] The band played cover versions of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest songs at clubs and parties in Southern California. In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released For other uses see Iron maiden. Judas Priest are an English heavy metal band formed in 1970 in Birmingham. Southern California, or So Cal, is defined as the southern portion of the U Early shows relied on a Satanic image, which featured pentagrams, make-up, spikes, and inverted crosses. For other uses of the word see Satanism (disambiguation. Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context Early history Sumer The first known uses of the pentagram are found in Mesopotamian writings dating to about 3000 BC ^[1] Rumor has it the band was originally known as Dragonslayer, after the 1981 movie of the same name. Dragonslayer is a 1981 Live action Fantasy movie set in a fictional medieval country similar to Britain. However, when King was asked "How did you come up with the name Dragonslayer?" King responded "We never did; it's a myth to this day. "^[6]

The band was offered to open for Bitch at the Woodstock Club in Los Angeles, performing eight songs — six being covers. Bitch were an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981 Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released While performing Iron Maiden's "Phantom of the Opera" the band was spotted by Brian Slagel, a former music journalist who had recently founded Metal Blade Records. " Phantom of the Opera " is a song from Iron Maiden 's debut album Iron Maiden. Brian Slagel (born Feb 14th 1961 is the owner and founder of Metal Blade Records. Music journalism is criticism and reportage about Music. It began in the eighteenth century as comment on what is now thought of as ' Classical music ' Artists Current artists 3 The Absence Aeon A Love Ends Suicide(Now Let's Fighting Impressed with Slayer's performance, Slagel met with the band backstage and asked them to record an original song, "Aggressive Perfector" (sample (help·info)) for his upcoming Metal Massacre III compilation. Metal Massacre is a series of compilations released on Metal Blade Records. The band agreed and the song created underground buzz, which led to Slagel offering the band a recording contract with Metal Blade. A recording contract (commonly called a record deal) is a legal agreement between a Record label and a Recording artist (or group where the artist ^[7]

Show No Mercy (1983–1984)

Without a recording budget, the band was forced to self-finance its debut album. Combining the savings of Araya, who was employed as a respiratory therapist,^[8] and money borrowed from King's father,^[2] the band entered the studio in November 1983. Respiratory Therapy is categorized as an Allied health profession in the United States and Canada The album was rushed into release, hitting shelves three weeks after tracks were completed. Show No Mercy, released in December 1983 by Metal Blade Records, generated underground popularity for the band, and they began their first national club tour in 1984 to promote the album traveling in Araya's Camaro towing a U-Haul trailer. You might have been searching for Mark Williams 's song of the same name. The Chevrolet Camaro is a " Pony car " made in North America by the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors. U-Haul International Inc is a North American equipment Rental company, based in Phoenix Arizona, that has been in operation since 1945 ^[2] The tour gave the band additional popularity; sales of Show No Mercy reached more than 20,000 in the US and another 20,000 worldwide. ^[7]

In August 1984, Slayer released a three song EP titled Haunting the Chapel. An extended play ( EP) is a Vinyl record, CD, or Music download which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify Haunting the Chapel is an EP released by the Thrash metal band Slayer in 1984 through Metal Blade and Enigma Records The EP featured a darker, more thrash-oriented style than its predecessor, and laid the groundwork for the future direction of the band. Thrash metal (sometimes referred to simply as thrash) is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its fast tempo and aggression ^[9] The opening track, "Chemical Warfare," has become a live staple, played at nearly every show since 1984. After the release of Haunting the Chapel, Slayer made its live European debut at the Heavy Sounds Festival in Belgium opening for UFO,^[10] returning to the US to begin the Haunting The West Coast tour. The Kingdom of Belgium is a Country in northwest Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters as well as those UFO are an English Hard rock band formed in 1969 UFO became a transitional band between early Hard rock and heavy metal and the New ^[11]

Following the tour, King temporarily left Slayer to join Dave Mustaine's new band Megadeth. David Scott Mustaine (born September 13, 1961 in La Mesa, California USA) is the lead/rhythm Guitarist, Songwriter Megadeth is an American heavy metal band led by founder front man guitarist and songwriter Dave Mustaine. ^[12] Hanneman was worried about King's decision, stating in an interview "I guess we’re gonna get a new guitar player". ^[2] While Mustaine wanted King to stay on a permanent basis, King rejoined Slayer after five shows, stating Megadeth was "taking too much of my time". ^[2] The split caused a rift between King and Mustaine, which evolved into a long running feud between the two bands. ^[13] Following King's return, the band embarked on the 1984 Combat Tour, with Venom and Exodus, and released a live album titled Live Undead in November. Venom are an English Exodus is an American Thrash metal band formed in 1980 in San Francisco, California by guitarist Gary Holt, current Metallica A live album &ndash commonly contrasted with a Studio album &ndash is a recording consisting of material (usually music recorded during stage performances Live Undead is a "live" Album by the Thrash metal band Slayer.

Hell Awaits (1985–1986)

Slayer released its first live home video in 1985, dubbed Combat Tour: The Ultimate Revenge. Home video is a blanket term used for pre-recorded media that is either sold or hired for home entertainment The video featured live footage filmed at New York's Studio 54 club, on the band's 1984 tour with Venom and Exodus. New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Studio 54 is a New York City Broadway theater and former Discothèque located at 254 West 54th Street in Manhattan. By early 1985, Show No Mercy had sold over 40,000 copies,^[7] which led to the band returning to the studio to record a second full length album. Metal Blade financed a recording budget, which allowed the band to hire producer Ron Fair. Ron Fair is a veteran A&R executive Record producer and Songwriter. ^[2]

 Music sample:

"Hell Awaits" (1985)

"Hell Awaits" features a backwards recording of a demonic voice saying "Join us" and "Welcome Back".

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

Released in September 1985, Slayer's second full length release Hell Awaits expanded on the darkness of Haunting the Chapel, with Hell and Satan as common song subjects. Hell Awaits is the second Studio album by the American Thrash metal band Slayer, released through Metal Blade Records in 1985 Hell, according to many Religious beliefs, is a location in the Afterlife, which may be described as a place of suffering Satan, ( Standard Hebrew Satan'el, English accuser) is a term that originates from the Abrahamic faiths, being traditionally The album was the band's most progressive offering, featuring longer and more complex song structures. Progressive rock (often shortened to " progressive " " prog " or " prog rock " is a form of Rock music that evolved ^[2] The intro is a backwards recording of a demonic-sounding voice repeating "Join us," ending with "Welcome Back" before the track begins. ^[14]

Reign in Blood (1986–1987)

Following the success of Hell Awaits, Slayer was offered a recording contract with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin's newly founded Def Jam Records, a largely rap-based label. Russell Simmons (born October 4, 1957 in Queens New York) is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frederick Jay "Rick" Rubin (born March 10 1963 in Lido Beach New York) is an American Record producer and is currently Def Jam Recordings is a United States based hip-hop Record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operates as a part of The Island Hip hop music, also referred to as rap music, is a Music genre typically consisting of a rhythmic vocal style called rap which is accompanied with ^[2] The band accepted and with an experienced producer and major label recording budget, the band underwent a sonic makeover resulting in shorter, faster songs with clearer production. In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Gone were the complex arrangements and long songs featured on Hell Awaits, ditched in favor of stripped down, hardcore influenced song structures. Hardcore punk (now usually referred to as simply hardcore) is a subgenre of Punk rock that originated in North America in the late 1970s ^[2]

Def Jam's distributor, Columbia Records, refused to release the album Reign in Blood due to its graphic cover art and lyrical themes. Columbia Records is an American Record label founded in 1888 Columbia is the oldest surviving Brand name in pre-recorded sound being the first record company Reign in Blood is the third Studio album and major label debut by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. ^[2] For example, "Angel of Death" detailed Holocaust concentration camps and the human experiments conducted by Nazi physician Josef Mengele. " Angel of Death " is the Opening track on the American Thrash metal band Slayer 's 1986 album Reign in Blood. The Holocaust (from the Greek el ''ὁλόκαυστον'' (el-Latn holókauston holos, "completely" and kaustos, "burnt" also known as Internment is the imprisonment or confinement of people commonly in large groups without trial Human subject research (HSR or human subject use (HSU involves the use of human beings as research subjects Dr Josef Mengele ( March 16, 1911 – February 7, 1979) was a German SS officer and a Physician in the The album was distributed by Geffen Records on October 7, 1986. Geffen Records is an American Record label, owned by Universal Music Group, and operated as one third of UMG's Interscope-Geffen-A&M label Events 3761 BC - The epoch (origin of the modern Hebrew calendar ( Proleptic Julian calendar) Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) However, due to the controversy, Reign in Blood did not appear on Geffen Records’ release schedule. ^[2] Although the album received virtually no radio airplay, it became the band's first to enter the Billboard 200, debuting at #94,^[15] and the band's first album certified gold in the United States. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard ^[16]

In October 1986, Slayer embarked on the Reign in Pain world tour, with Overkill in the US, and Malice in Europe. Overkill is an American Thrash metalband formed in 1980 in New Jersey. MALICE are straight ahead balls to the wall power rock at it's finest! MALICE earned their bones in the early 1980’s playing around the local Los Angeles rock scene eventually taking over the The band was added as the opening act on W.A.S.P.'s US tour, but just one month in, drummer Lombardo left the band: "I wasn't making any money. WASP is an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 and emerged with the L I figured if we were gonna be doing this professionally, on a major label, I wanted my rent and utilities paid. "^[2] To continue with the tour, Slayer enlisted Tony Scaglione of Whiplash. WikipediaPersondata --> Tony Scaglione is a Thrash metal drummer and has been a temporary member of Slayer, but is known as one of the Whiplash was an American Thrash metal / Speed metal band The band was founded in 1984 in Passaic New Jersey by the three Tonys Tony Portaro However, Lombardo's wife convinced Dave to return in 1987. ^[2] At the insistence of Rubin, Slayer recorded a cover version of Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" for the film Less Than Zero. In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released Iron Butterfly is an American Psychedelic rock and early Heavy metal band well known for their 1968 hit " In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida Less Than Zero is a 1987 film based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. ^[2] Although the band was not happy with the final product, Hanneman deeming it "a poor representation of Slayer" and King labeling it "a hunk of shit", it was one of their first songs to garner radio airplay. Airplay (noun The broadcasting of an audio (eg a piece of music or audiovisual recording on the air over radio or television ^[2]

South of Heaven (1988–1989)

Slayer returned to the studio to record their fourth studio album. To contrast the speed of Reign in Blood, the band consciously decided to slow down the tempos, and incorporate more melodic singing. 2266-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl or TEMPO is the Chemical compound with the formula (CH23(CMe22NO Hanneman asserted; "We knew we couldn’t top Reign in Blood, so we had to slow down. We knew whatever we did was gonna be compared to that album, and I remember we actually discussed slowing down. It was weird—we’ve never done that on an album, before or since. "^[2]

1988's South of Heaven received mixed responses from both fans and critics, although it was Slayer's most commercially successful release at the time, debuting at #57 on the Billboard 200,^[15] and the second album to receive gold certification in the United States. South of Heaven is the fourth Studio album by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard ^[16] Press response to the album was mixed, with All Music Guide citing the album as "disturbing and powerful",^[17] and Rolling Stone calling it "genuinely offensive satanic drivel". allmusic (previously All Music Guide) is a Metadata database about music owned by All Media Guide. Rolling Stone is a United States -based Magazine devoted to Music, Politics, and Popular culture that is published ^[18] King says "that album was my most lackluster performance," although Araya called it a "late bloomer" which eventually grew on people. ^[2]

Seasons in the Abyss (1990–1993)

Slayer returned to the studio with co-producer Andy Wallace in 1989, to record their fifth studio album. Andy Wallace is a Grammy Award -winning music studio engineer with a long track record of successful productions beginning with the early 1980s production of the Following the backlash created by South of Heaven, Slayer returned to the "pounding speed of Reign in Blood", while retaining their new found melodic sense. In Music, a melody (from Greek μελῳδία - melōidía, "singing chanting" also tune, voice, or ^[19] Seasons in the Abyss, released in October 1990, was the first Slayer album to be released under Rubin's new Def American label, as he parted ways with Def Jam owner Russell Simmons over creative differences. Seasons in the Abyss is the fifth studio album by the Thrash metal band Slayer. This article is about the record label For the Johnny Cash album released by that same label see American Recordings (album American Recordings Russell Simmons (born October 4, 1957 in Queens New York) is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist The album debuted at #44 on the Billboard 200,^[15] and was certified gold in 1992. ^[16] The title track spawned Slayer's second music video, which was filmed in front of the Giza pyramids in Egypt prior to the Gulf War. A title track is a Song which shares its name with the album on which it appears The Giza Necropolis stands on the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt.

Slayer returned as a live act in September 1990 to co-headline the European Clash of the Titans tour with Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, and Testament. Megadeth is an American heavy metal band led by founder front man guitarist and songwriter Dave Mustaine. Suicidal Tendencies (also known as ST or Suicidal) is an American Hardcore punk and heavy metal band Testament is an American Thrash metal band from California. Testament has two Top 40 albums and one Top 50 album to its credit in the UK With the popularity of American thrash at its peak, the tour was extended to the US beginning in May 1991, with Megadeth, Anthrax and opening act Alice in Chains. Anthrax is a New York City -based heavy metal band that released its first full-length album in 1984 Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle Washington in The band released a double live album, Decade of Aggression in 1991, to celebrate ten years. Decade of Aggression is a double live album by Slayer, released in 1991 through Def American Records (later renamed to American Recordings The compilation debuted at #55 on the Billboard 200. ^[15]

In May 1992, Lombardo quit the band due to conflicts with other members, as well as arguments over his wish to bring his wife on tour. ^[20] Lombardo formed his own band Grip Inc, with Voodoocult guitarist Waldemar Sorychta,^[21] and Slayer recruited former Forbidden drummer Paul Bostaph to fill his place. Grip Inc is a Groove metal band and a side project of Slayer 's drummer Dave Lombardo. Voodoocult was a German Thrash metal band formed in 1994 by Phillip Boa, vocalist of the alternative band Phillip Boa & The Voodooclub. Waldemar Sorychta is a Polish heavy metal musician and Record producer. Forbidden is a Thrash metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, part of the Bay Area thrash scene most popular in the late 1980s and the early 1990s Paul Bostaph (born March 6, 1964 in San Francisco California) is a heavy metal Drummer, who has played for the bands Forbidden Slayer made its debut appearance with Bostaph at the 1992 Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington. Monsters of Rock was an annual rock music festival in England held every August at the Castle Donington racetrack from 1980&ndash1996 (with the odd exception Castle Donington is a large Village almost considered a town with a population of around 7000 in the North West of Leicestershire, close to Derby Bostaph's first studio effort was a medley of three Exploited songs, "War", "UK '82", and "Disorder", with rapper Ice-T, for the Judgment Night movie soundtrack in 1993. The Exploited is a punk band from the second wave of UK punk, formed in 1979 Judgment Night is a 1993 Film directed by Stephen Hopkins. The film starred Emilio Estévez, Cuba Gooding Jr ^[22]

Divine Intervention (1994–1995)

 Music sample:

"SS-3" (1994)

SS-3 is about Reinhard Heydrich, an architect of the Holocaust. SS-3 refers to the license plate number of the car he was killed in.

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

In 1994 Slayer released Divine Intervention, the band's first record with drummer Bostaph. For other meanings of Divine Intervention see Divine Intervention Divine Intervention is the sixth Studio album by American The record became the band's highest charting at that time, debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200. ^[15] The album featured songs about Reinhard Heydrich, an architect of the Holocaust, and Jeffrey Dahmer, "213" his apartment number where he murdered, raped, and tortured seventeen victims. Reinhard Tristan Eugen Heydrich ( 7 March 1904 &ndash 4 June 1942) was an SS - Obergruppenführer, chief Jeffrey Lionel Dahmer (May 21 1960—November 28 1994 was an American Serial killer. Other themes included murder, the evils of church, and the lengths to which governments will go to wield power, Araya's interest in serial killers inspired much of the lyrical content. ^[8][23] Slayer geared up for a world tour in 1995, with openers Biohazard and Machine Head. Biohazard is a band originally based out of Brooklyn, New York. Machine Head is an American metal band formed in 1992 in Oakland, California. A video of concert footage, Live Intrusion was released, featuring a joint cover of Venom's "Witching Hour" with Machine Head. Live Intrusion is a Home video by Slayer which was released in 1995 through American Recordings. In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released Venom are an English Relations between Slayer and Machine Head have since badly deteriorated. ^[24] Following the tour, Slayer were billed fourth at the 1995 Monsters of Rock festival, headlined by Metallica. Monsters of Rock was an annual rock music festival in England held every August at the Castle Donington racetrack from 1980&ndash1996 (with the odd exception Metallica is an American heavy metal band that formed in 1981 in.

Also in the year 1994, Kerry King had his first and only child, Shyanne Kymberlee King.

Undisputed Attitude (1996–1997)

In 1996, Undisputed Attitude, an album of punk covers, was released. Undisputed Attitude is an album of punk covers and three original songs by Thrash metal band Slayer. In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released The band covered songs by Minor Threat, T.S.O.L., D.R.I., D.I., Verbal Abuse, Dr. Know and The Stooges. Minor Threat was an American Hardcore punk band that formed in Washington D Dirty Rotten Imbeciles (also known as DRI) are a Crossover thrash band that formed in 1982 DI (frequently written as xDxIx) is a Southern California punk band featuring ex- Adolescents and Social Distortion drummer Casey Verbal Abuse is a hardcore and Crossover thrash band originally from Houston Texas, but which became successful after moving to San Francisco Dr Know is a punk band which began as a Nardcore band and now has roots in Los Angeles CA. The Stooges are an American rock band that was active from 1967 to 1974 then reformed in 2003 The album featured three original tracks, "Gemini", "Can't Stand You", "Ddamm"; the latter two were written by Hanneman in 1984–1985 for a side project entitled Pap Smear. Bostaph left Slayer shortly after the album's release to work on his own project, The Truth about Seafood. With Bostaph's departure, Slayer recruited Testament drummer Jon Dette, and headlined the 1996 Ozzfest alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Danzig, Biohazard, Sepultura, and Fear Factory. Testament is an American Thrash metal band from California. Testament has two Top 40 albums and one Top 50 album to its credit in the UK Jon Dette is a heavy metal drummer who has played for Evildead, Testament and Slayer. John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born December 3 1948) is a British singer Gdańsk ( Polish pronunciation; 'Danzig', Gduńsk Gedania Dantiscum is the City at the centre of the fourth-largest Metropolitan area in Poland Biohazard is a band originally based out of Brooklyn, New York. Sepultura ( Portuguese: Grave) are a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, formed in 1984 Fear Factory is an American heavy metal band The band formed in 1989 and have released seven full-length Dette was fired after a year, due to a fallout with band members; Bostaph returned to continue the tour. ^[25]

A lawsuit was brought against the band in 1996, by the parents of Elyse Pahler, who accused the band of encouraging their daughter's murderers through their lyrics. Elyse Marie Pahler was a murder victim whose parents attempted to sue the American Thrash metal band Slayer claiming that their music contributed to their daughter's ^[26] Elyse was drugged, strangled, stabbed, trampled on, and raped as a sacrifice to the devil by three fans of the band. Sacrifice (from a Middle English verb meaning "to make sacred" from Old French, from Latin sacrificium: sacr, "sacred" ^[26] The case was unsealed by the court on May 19, 2000, stating Slayer and related business markets distribute harmful products to teens, encouraging violent acts through their lyrics,^[26] and "none of the vicious crimes committed against Elyse Marie Pahler would have occurred without the intentional marketing strategy of the death-metal band Slayer". Events 1535 - French explorer Jacques Cartier sets sail on his second voyage to North America with three ships 110 men and 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. ^[27] The lawsuit was dismissed in 2001, for multiple reasons including "principles of free speech, lack of a duty and lack of foreseeability". ^[28] A second lawsuit was filed by the parents, an amended complaint for damages against Slayer, their label, and other industry and label entities. The lawsuit was dismissed; Judge E. Jeffrey Burke stated "I do not consider Slayer's music obscene, indecent or harmful to minors. "^[28]

Diabolus in Musica (1998–2000)

Diabolus in Musica (Latin for "The Devil in Music")^[29] was released in 1998, and debuted at #31 on the Billboard 200, selling over 46,000 copies. Diabolus in Musica is the seventh Studio album by American Thrash metal band Slayer. ^[30] The album received a mixed critical reception and was criticized for adopting characteristics of nu metal music such as tuned down guitars, murky chord structures, and churning beats. Nu metal (sometimes named new metal or nü metal) is a musical genre that emerged in the mid 1990s which fuses influences from grunge and Alternative Blabbermouth. net reviewer Borijov Krgin described the album as "a feeble attempt at incorporating updated elements into the group's sound, the presence of which elevated the band's efforts somewhat and offered hope that Slayer could refrain from endlessly rehashing their previous material for their future output. ",^[31] while New York Time's Ben Ratliff had similar sentiments by saying "eight of the 11 songs on Diabolus in Musica, a few of which were played at the show, are in the same gray key". ^[32]

The album was the band's first with dropped tuning, as featured on the lead track, "Bitter Peace",(sample (help·info)) making use of the musical interval referred to in the Middle Ages as the tritone or Devil's scale. The tritone ( Tri - or three and tone) is a Musical interval that spans three whole tones. ^[33] Slayer teamed up with digital hardcore group Atari Teenage Riot to record a song for the Spawn soundtrack titled "No Remorse (I Wanna Die)". Digital hardcore is a Music genre fusing elements of Hardcore punk and Electronic music. Atari Teenage Riot (abbreviated ATR) was a German Digital hardcore group formed in Berlin in 1992 Spawn is a Film adaptation of Todd McFarlane 's creator-owned Image comic book of the same name. The band later paid tribute to Black Sabbath by recording a cover of "Hand of Doom" for the second of two tribute albums, entitled Nativity in Black II. Black Sabbath are an Nativity in Black is the name of a pair of Black Sabbath Tribute albums that came out in the 1990s and 2000s A world tour followed to support the new album, with Slayer making an appearance at the United Kingdom Ozzfest 1998 alongside Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Foo Fighters, Pantera, Soulfly, Fear Factory, and Therapy?. Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States (and in some years Europe) featuring performances by many heavy metal and Hard rock Black Sabbath are an John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born December 3 1948) is a British singer Foo Fighters is an American Alternative rock and Post-grunge band formed by singer/guitarist Dave Grohl in 1995 Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas, formed by the Abbott brothers Vinnie Paul ( drums) and Soulfly is a heavy metal band formed in 1997 in Arizona. Led by founder frontman songwriter and only constant member Brazilian Max Cavalera, who formed Fear Factory is an American heavy metal band The band formed in 1989 and have released seven full-length Therapy? are an Alternative metal band from Northern Ireland.

God Hates Us All (2001–2005)

After delays regarding remixing and artwork,^[34] including slip covers created to cover the original artwork as it was deemed "too graphic", God Hates Us All was released on September 11, 2001. God Hates Us All is the eighth studio album by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. The band received its first Grammy nomination for the lead track "Disciple", although the Grammy was awarded to Tool, for "Schism". The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Tool is an American rock band that was formed in 1990 in Los Angeles, California. ^[35] The September 11th attack on America jeopardized the 2001 European tour Tattoo the Planet originally set to feature Pantera, Static X, Biohazard and Vision of Disorder. Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas, formed by the Abbott brothers Vinnie Paul ( drums) and Static-X is an Industrial metal band Formed in 1994 they are signed to Warner Bros Biohazard is a band originally based out of Brooklyn, New York. Vision of Disorder was a band from Long Island, New York, USA Dates were canceled or postponed due to flight restrictions, with a majority of bands deciding to withdraw, leaving Slayer and Static X remaining for the European leg of the tour. ^[36] Pantera, Vision of Disorder and Biohazard were replaced by Cradle of Filth and other bands dependent on location; Amorphis, In Flames, Moonspell, Children of Bodom, and Necrodeath. Amorphis is a Finnish metal band started by Jan Rechberger Tomi Koivusaari and Esa Holopainen in 1990 In Flames is a Death metal band formed in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1990 and is considered to be a pioneer and major influence to the melodic death metal genre Moonspell is a Portuguese Black metal / Gothic metal band with Death/doom metal elements formed in 1989 as Morbid God Children of Bodom is a Finnish Melodic death metal band from Espoo, Finland formed in 1993 Necrodeath is an Italian Thrash metal band from Liguria. It is one of the first thrash metal bands born in Italy, along with Schizo The Birmingham, England date on the tour though only featured Slayer, Biohazard, Cradle of Filth and Raging Speedhorn due to Static X pulling out over previous commitments, instead playing their scheduled dates in Germany. Drummer Bostaph left Slayer before Christmas in 2001, due to a chronic elbow injury which would hinder his ability to play. ^[37] Slayer's "God Hates Us All" tour was unfinished so King contacted original drummer Lombardo, and asked if he would like to finish the remainder of the tour. Lombardo accepted the offer, and stayed as a permanent member. ^[37]

Slayer toured playing Reign in Blood in its entirety throughout the fall of 2003, under the tour banner "Still Reigning". Reign in Blood is the third Studio album and major label debut by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. Their playing of the final song "Raining Blood" culminated with the band drenched in a rain of stage blood. "Raining Blood" is the final track from Thrash metal band Slayer 's 1986 album Reign in Blood, and is quite possibly their most famous Live footage of this was recorded at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine, on July 11, 2004 and released on the 2004 DVD Still Reigning. Augusta is the Capital of the US state of Maine, County seat of Kennebec County, and Center of population Events 911 - Signing of the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between Charles the Simple and Rollo of Normandy. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Still Reigning is a live performance DVD by the Thrash metal band Slayer, released in 2004 through American Recordings. The band also released War at the Warfield and a box set, Soundtrack to the Apocalypse featuring rarities, live CD and DVD performances and various Slayer paraphernalia. War at the Warfield is a Home video by Slayer which was released in 2003 through American Recordings. Soundtrack to the Apocalypse is a Box set by Slayer with three CDs plus one DVD (Standard Edition or four CDs plus

From 2002 to 2004 the band performed over 250 tour dates, headlining major music festivals including H82k2, Summer tour, Ozzfest 2004, the Download Festival and a European tour with Slipknot. Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States (and in some years Europe) featuring performances by many heavy metal and Hard rock The Download Festival is a three day Music festival held annually at Donington Park (which hosted the Monsters of Rock Festivals between 1980 and 1996 Slipknot is an American band from Des Moines Iowa. Slipknot consists of nine members the current band members are Sid While preparing for the Download Festival in England, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was rushed to hospital with a mysterious illness, and was unable to perform. Metallica is an American heavy metal band that formed in 1981 in. Lars Ulrich (born December 26 1963) is a Danish Drummer best known as the co-founder of the American heavy metal ^[38] Metallica vocalist James Hetfield searched for volunteers at the last minute to replace Ulrich; Lombardo and Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison volunteered, with Lombardo performing the songs "Battery" and "The Four Horsemen". James Alan Hetfield (born August 3, 1963, in Downey California) is the main Songwriter, co-founder vocalist and Rhythm guitarist Nathan Jonas "Joey" Jordison (born April 26, 1975) is an American musician songwriter and Record producer. "Battery" is the opening track of Metallica 's 1986 album Master of Puppets. Kill 'Em All is the debut album by Metallica. It was recorded in only two weeks on a small budget ^[38]

Christ Illusion (2006–present)

The album Christ Illusion was originally scheduled for release on June 6, 2006, and would be the first album with original drummer Lombardo since 1990's Seasons in the Abyss. Christ Illusion is the ninth studio album by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[39] However, the band decided to delay the release of the record as they did not want to be among the many, according to King, "half-ass, stupid fucking loser bands" releasing records on June 6,^[40] although USA Today reported the idea was thwarted because the band failed to secure sufficient studio recording time. USA TODAY is a national American daily Newspaper published by the Gannett Company. ^[41] Instead, Slayer released Eternal Pyre on June 6 as a limited-edition EP. Eternal Pyre is an EP by the Thrash metal band Slayer. Only 5000 copies were available which were exclusively sold through Hot Topic An extended play ( EP) is a Vinyl record, CD, or Music download which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify Eternal Pyre featured the song "Cult", a live performance of "War Ensemble" in Germany, video footage of the band recording "Cult", and a five minute video of a Slayer fan carving the band's name onto his forearm. Five thousand copies were released and sold exclusively through Hot Topic chain stores, and sold out within hours of release. Hot Topic ( is an American Chain store. It has over 690 locations across the United States and Puerto Rico the majority of which are located in Shopping ^[42] On June 30, Nuclear Blast Records released a 7" vinyl picture disc version limited to a thousand copies. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the Usurper Nuclear blast may refer to Nuclear explosion Nuclear Blast, a record label ^[43]

Christ Illusion was released on August 8, 2006, and debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200, selling over 62,000 copies in its first week. Events 1220 - Sweden is defeated by Estonian tribes in the Battle of Lihula. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard ^[44] The album became Slayer's highest charting, improving on its previous highest charting album, Divine Intervention, which had debuted at #8. However, despite its high positioning, the album dropped to #44 in the following week. ^[45] Three weeks after the album's release Slayer were inducted into the Kerrang! Hall of Fame for their influence to the heavy metal scene. Kerrang! is a weekly rock Magazine published by Bauer Consumer Media in the United Kingdom. ^[46]

Slayer performing at The Reading Festival in 2006

A worldwide tour dubbed The Unholy Alliance, was undertaken to support the new record. The Unholy Alliance is a biennial Heavy metal tour of Europe and North America, with the tag-line "Preaching to the Perverted" The tour was originally set to launch on June 6, but was postponed to June 10, as Araya had to undergo gall bladder surgery. Events 1508 - Maximilian I Holy Roman Emperor, is defeated in Friulia by Venetian forces; he is forced to sign a three-year Events 1190 - Third Crusade: Frederick I Barbarossa drowns in the Sally River while leading an army to Jerusalem The gallbladder (or cholecyst sometimes gall bladder is a small organ whose function in the body is to store Bile and aid in the digestive process ^[47] In Flames, Mastodon, Children of Bodom, Lamb of God, and Thine Eyes Bleed (featuring Araya's brother, Johnny) were supporting Slayer. In Flames is a Death metal band formed in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1990 and is considered to be a pioneer and major influence to the melodic death metal genre Mastodon is a Grammy -nominated heavy metal band and are one of the most notable bands in the New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Children of Bodom is a Finnish Melodic death metal band from Espoo, Finland formed in 1993 Lamb of God is an American heavy metal band formed in 1990 in Richmond Thine Eyes Bleed is a Melodic death metal band from Ontario Canada Johnny Araya is the bass player in the Melodic death metal band Thine Eyes Bleed. ^[48] The tour made its way through America and Europe and the bands who participated, apart from Thine Eyes Bleed, reunited to perform at Japan's Loud Park Festival on October 15, 2006. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Events 533 - Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[49]

The video for the album's first single, "Eyes of the Insane", was released on October 30, 2006. " Eyes of the Insane " is a 2006 single by American Thrash metal band Slayer, taken from their 2006 album Christ Illusion Events 637 - Antioch surrenders to the Muslim forces under Rashidun Caliphate after the Battle of Iron bridge. Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[50] The track was featured on the Saw III soundtrack, and won a Grammy-award for "Best Metal Performance" at the 49th Grammy Awards, although the band were unable to attend due to touring obligations. Saw III is the third installment in the Saw series The film is a joint effort of both Saw's writers/directors James Wan The Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance has been awarded since 1989. ^[51] A week later, the band visited the 52nd Services Squadron located on the Spangdahlem U. S. Air Force Base in Germany to meet and play a show. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. This was the first visit ever to a military base for the band. ^[52] The band made its first network TV appearance on the show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on January 19, playing the song "Eyes of the Insane", and four additional songs for fans after the show (although footage from "Jihad" was cut due to its controversial lyrical themes). A television network is a distribution network for Television content whereby a central operation provides programming for many Television stations Jimmy Kimmel Live! is an American late-night Talk show, created and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and broadcast on ABC. Events 1419 - Hundred Years' War: Rouen surrenders to Henry V of England completing his reconquest of Normandy. " Jihad " is a song by the American Thrash metal band Slayer which appears on their 2006 album Christ Illusion. ^[53] Slayer toured Australia and New Zealand in April with Mastodon, and appeared at the Download Festival, Rock Am Ring,^[54] and a Summer tour with Marilyn Manson and Bleeding Through. The Download Festival is a three day Music festival held annually at Donington Park (which hosted the Monsters of Rock Festivals between 1980 and 1996 The Rock am Ring ( Rock at the Ring) and Rock im Park ( Rock in the Park) festivals are two simultaneous Rock music festivals held annually in Marilyn Manson is an American Alternative metal band based in Los Angeles California. Bleeding Through is an American Metalcore band from Orange County, California, formed in 1999 ^[55]

The band released a special edition of Christ Illusion, which featured new cover art and bonus track, "Final Six", which was given a Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance". Christ Illusion is the ninth studio album by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. The Grammy Awards (originally called the Gramophone Awards)—or Grammys —are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences This is the band's second consecutive award in that category. In an interview with Worcester magazine, Araya states uncertainty with the future of the band, and that he could not see himself continuing the career at a later age. Araya also stated that when the band finished their next record, which will be the final one in their contract, the band would have to "sit down and discuss the future. ". ^[56] In an interview with Yebo TV, Hanneman stated he has begun writing three songs for the next album. ^[57] Author Joel McIver has completed a 400-page hardback Slayer biography titled The Bloody Reign of Slayer, which was made available on June 9, 2008. Joel McIver (born 1971 is a British author His best-known book to date is the bestselling Justice For All The Truth About Metallica, published in 2004 Events 53 - Roman Emperor Nero marries Claudia Octavia 62 - Claudia Octavia commits 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common ^[58] Slayer, along with Trivium and Mastodon, will team up for a European tour titled The Unholy Alliance: Chapter III, throughout October and November of 2008. ^[59]

Influence

Slayer is credited as one of the "Big four" thrash metal bands along with Megadeth, Anthrax and Metallica, all of which rose to fame in the early 1980s. Megadeth is an American heavy metal band led by founder front man guitarist and songwriter Dave Mustaine. Anthrax is a New York City -based heavy metal band that released its first full-length album in 1984 Metallica is an American heavy metal band that formed in 1981 in. ^[1] Between these bands, Slayer represent the most extreme solution and they have had a great influence on thrash and death metal scenes. Thrash metal (sometimes referred to simply as thrash) is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its fast tempo and aggression Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs fast tempos heavily distorted guitars deep growling vocals morbid lyrics ^[60] Many groups of these genres made many tribute discs in their honour, like Slatanic Slaughter 1 & 2 and Gateway to Hell. Slayer seems to have influenced also on many modern hardcore punk bands. Hardcore punk (now usually referred to as simply hardcore) is a subgenre of Punk rock that originated in North America in the late 1970s Many of them made a tribute called "Covered in Blood", which contain covers of all Reign in Blood songs. Reign in Blood is the third Studio album and major label debut by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. "Their downtuned rhythms, infectious guitar licks, graphically violent lyrics and grisly artwork set the standard for dozens of emerging thrash bands. " and "Slayer's music was directly responsible for the rise of death metal" states MTV, ranking Slayer as the sixth "greatest metal band of all time,"^[14] also ranking number 50 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. VH1 (known as VH-1 Video Hits One from 1985 to 1994 and VH1 Music First until 2003) is an American Cable television ^[61] Hanneman and King ranked number 10 in Guitar World's "100 greatest metal guitarists of all time" in 2004,^[62] and were voted "Best Guitarist/Guitar Team" in Revolver's reader's poll. Guitar World is a monthly Music Magazine devoted to Guitarists It contains original interviews album and gear Revolver is a monthly Hard rock and heavy metal magazine published by Future US. Lombardo was also voted "Best Drummer" and the band entered the top five in the categories "Best Band Ever," "Best Live Band," "Album of the Year" (for Christ Illusion), and "Band of the Year. "^[63]

The band's 1986 release, Reign in Blood has been an influence to extreme and thrash metal bands since its release. The album was hailed the "heaviest album of all time" by Kerrang! Magazine,^[3] a "genre-definer" by Stylus Magazine,^[64] and a "stone-cold classic upon its release" by All Music Guide. Kerrang! is a weekly rock Magazine published by Bauer Consumer Media in the United Kingdom. Stylus Magazine was an online music and film magazine launched in 2002 allmusic (previously All Music Guide) is a Metadata database about music owned by All Media Guide. ^[65] In 2006 it was named the best metal album of the last 20 years by Metal Hammer. Metal Hammer (sometimes MetalHammer) is a monthly heavy metal magazine in the United Kingdom, Ireland and in Germany ^[66] Richard Christy, former member of Death was blown away by Dave's performance on the album Reign in Blood,^[67] as was Cannibal Corpse drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz. Richard Christy (born Thomas Richard Christy; April 1 1974 is an American Drummer, Comedian, Actor, Radio personality Death was an influential American Death metal band founded in 1983 by guitarist and vocalist Chuck Schuldiner, considered a "pioneering death Cannibal Corpse is an American Death metal band founded in 1986 Paul Mazurkiewicz is the Drummer of Cannibal Corpse, and one of two remaining original members the other being Bassist Alex Webster. ^[68]

Drummer Lombardo has been an influence on many modern metal drummers including Ray Herrera of Fear Factory,^[69] Pete Sandoval of Morbid Angel,^[70] Bård Faust (ex Emperor and now of Blood Tsunami)^[71] former Cradle of Filth drummer Adrian Erlandsson,^[72] and Krisiun drummer Max Kolesne. Raymond Herrera (born December 18, 1972) is a Drummer and one of the original members of the Industrial / Fear Factory is an American heavy metal band The band formed in 1989 and have released seven full-length Pete Sandoval is an Extreme metal Drummer. Born in Santa Ana El Salvador, he is known for his accomplishments in the world of extreme metal drumming Morbid Angel is an American Death metal band based in Tampa Florida. An emperor (from the Latin " Imperator " is a (male Monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an Empire or another type of Blood Tsunami is a Norwegian Thrash metal band Biography Blood Tsunami formed in 2004 with Pete Evil Jay Riff Randall and Dor Amazon Adrian Erlandsson (born October 27, 1970 in Malmö, Sweden) is a prolific Swedish Death metal and Black metal Krisiun is a Brazilian Death metal band founded by brothers Alex Camargo (bass vocals Moyses Kolesne (guitars and Max Kolesne (drums Max Kolesne is a Death metal drummer and plays in the Brazilian death metal band Krisiun. ^[73] Patrick Grün of Caliban's inspiration to play drums came from Lombardo,^[74] with Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall inspired by Lombardo's double bass, utilizing double bass when starting his own music career. Caliban are a five-piece Metalcore band from Germany. They have released six studio albums to-date Jason Bittner (born January 11, 1970 in Colonie New York) is a Drummer who played in the hardcore band Stigmata and death metal band Burning Human from Shadows Fall is an American heavy metal band formed in Springfield, Massachusetts in late 1995 ^[75]

Style

Early works were praised for their "breakneck speed and instrumental prowess," combining the structure of hardcore tempos and speed metal the band released fast, aggressive material. Hardcore punk (now usually referred to as simply hardcore) is a subgenre of Punk rock that originated in North America in the late 1970s Speed metal is a sub-genre of Heavy metal music originating in the late 1970s and early 1980s that was the direct musical progenitor of Thrash metal. ^[1] The album Reign in Blood is the band's fastest, performed at an average of 250 beats per minute. Beats per minute ( BPM) is a unit typically used as either a measure of Tempo in music or a measure of one's Heart rate. Even now, very few bands can approach this speed. ^[76] The album Diabolus in Musica was the band's first with D tuning, God Hates Us All the first with drop B tuning - utilizing seven-string guitars. Diabolus in Musica is the seventh Studio album by American Thrash metal band Slayer. D Tuning, also called One Step Lower, Whole Step Down, or D Standard, is an alternate tuning to a Guitar. God Hates Us All is the eighth studio album by the American Thrash metal band Slayer. A seven-string guitar is a Guitar with seven strings instead of the usual six ^[77] All Music Guide cited the album as "abandoning the extravagancies and accessibility of their late-'80s/early-'90s work and returning to perfect the raw approach",^[78] with some fans labeling it nu metal. allmusic (previously All Music Guide) is a Metadata database about music owned by All Media Guide. Nu metal (sometimes named new metal or nü metal) is a musical genre that emerged in the mid 1990s which fuses influences from grunge and Alternative ^[79]

Hanneman’s and King’s dual guitar solos have been called "wildly chaotic,"^[1] and "twisted genius. Guitar solos are a melodic passage section or entire piece of music written for an Electric guitar or an Acoustic guitar. "^[80] Drummer Lombardo uses two bass drums, instead of the double kick which is used on a single bass drum. A bass drum is a large Drum that produces a note of low definite or indefinite pitch. Lombardo's speed and aggression earned him the title of the “godfather of double bass” by Drummerworld. ^[5] Lombardo states his reasons for using two bass drums: "When you hit the bass drum the head is still resonating. When you hit it in the same place right after that you kinda get a 'slapback' from the bass drum head hitting the other pedal. You're not letting them breathe. " When playing the double bass Lombardo uses the "heel-up" technique. ^[81]

Writing lyrics and music

Hanneman, King and Araya contribute to the band's lyrics, and Lombardo, King and Hanneman create the music, with assistance from Araya. ^[4] Araya's first contribution to lyrical content was 1988's South of Heaven, forming a lyric writing partnership with Hanneman, which can overshadow the creative input of King. ^[2] Hanneman states writing lyrics and music is a "free for all"; "It’s all just whoever comes up with what. Sometimes I’ll be more on a roll and I’ll have more stuff, same with Kerry — it’s whoever's hot, really. Anybody can write anything; if it’s good we use it, if not we don’t. "^[4]

When writing new material the band writes the music before incorporating lyrics. King or Hanneman will use a 24-track and drum machine to show band members the riff they have created, and to get their opinion. Multitrack recording ('multitracking' or just 'tracking' for short is a method of Sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create For the early "drum machine" computers that used a rotating cylinder as their main memory see Drum memory A drum machine is an Either King, Hanneman or Lombardo will mention if any alterations can be made. The band will play the riff to get the basic song structure, and figure out where the lyrics and solos will be placed. ^[4]

Controversy

Slayer has been accused of holding Nazi sympathies, due to the band's eagle logo bearing resemblance to the Eagle atop swastika, and the lyrics of "Angel of Death". Nazism, which was a short name for National Socialism (Nationalsozialismus refers primarily to the Ideology and practices of the National Socialist German The, officially National Socialist German Workers' Party, ( abbreviated NSDAP) was a Political party in Germany between 1919 and 1945 " Angel of Death " is the Opening track on the American Thrash metal band Slayer 's 1986 album Reign in Blood. ^[82] The lyrics of "Angel of Death" were inspired by the acts of Josef Mengele,^[4] the doctor who conducted human experiments on Jewish and Romani (gypsy) prisoners during World War II at the Auschwitz concentration camp, and was dubbed the "Angel of Death" by inmates. Dr Josef Mengele ( March 16, 1911 – February 7, 1979) was a German SS officer and a Physician in the Human subject research (HSR or human subject use (HSU involves the use of human beings as research subjects World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including "Auschwitz" redirects here For the town see Oświęcim Auschwitz-Birkenau () was the largest of Nazi Germany ^[83] Throughout their career, the band members were asked about these accusations, and have stated numerous times they do not condone Nazism, and are merely interested in the subject. ^[84]

Slayer's cover of Minor Threat's "Guilty of Being White" raised questions about a possible message of white supremacy in the band's music. Minor Threat was an American Hardcore punk band that formed in Washington D White supremacy is a racist ideology based on the assertion that White people are superior to other racial groups. The controversy surrounding the cover involved the changing of the refrain "guilty of being white" to "guilty of being right," at the song's ending. This incensed Minor Threat frontman Ian MacKaye, who stated "that is so offensive to me. Ian Thomas Garner MacKaye (məˈkaɪ born April 16, 1962) is an American singer and guitarist "^[85] King said it was changed for "tongue-in-cheek" humor as he thought the racism at the time was "ridiculous". ^[86]

In a 2004 interview with Araya, when asked, "Did critics realize you were wallowing in parody?", Araya replied, "No. People thought we were serious!. . . back then you had that PMRC, who literally took everything to heart, when in actuality you're trying to create an image. The Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC was an American committee formed in 1985 by four women Tipper Gore, wife of Senator and later Vice President You're trying to scare people on purpose". ^[87] Araya also denied rumors that Slayer members are Satanists, but they find the subject of Satanism interesting and "we are all on this planet to learn and experience". For other uses of the word see Satanism (disambiguation. Satanism can refer to a number of belief systems depending on the user and context ^[84]

The cover of Christ Illusion depicted Jesus mutilated in a sea of blood. Jesus of Nazareth (7–2 BC / BCE —26–36 AD / CE) Mutilation or maiming is an act or physical injury that degrades the appearance or function of the (human body usually without causing death Blood is a specialized Bodily fluid that delivers necessary substances to the body's cells ��such as nutrients and oxygen—and transports Waste products The artwork was deemed too graphic and offensive toward Christian groups in India which resulted in protests, and as a result EMI India banned the album and destroyed all stock. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country

The song "Jihad" of the album Christ Illusion sparked controversy among families of the September 11 victims. " Jihad " is a song by the American Thrash metal band Slayer which appears on their 2006 album Christ Illusion. Events 9 - The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest ends 506 - The Bishops of Visigothic Gaul ^[88] The song deals with the attack from the perspective of a religious terrorist. The band stated the song is spoken through perspective without being sympathetic to the cause, and supports neither side. ^[88] Seventeen bus benches promoting the album in Fullerton, California were deemed offensive by city officials. Fullerton is a City located in northern Orange County, California, United States. They felt the Antichrist and skull were inappropriate, and felt the name "Slayer" pertains to a murderer. City officials contacted the band's record label and demanded that the ads be removed. ^[89] All seventeen benches were removed. ^[90]

In India, the album was recalled by EMI India after protests with Christian religious groups due to the nature of the graphic artwork. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The EMI Group is a British music company comprising the major record company EMI Music – which operates several labels and is based in Kensington in A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth The album cover was designed by Slayer's longtime collaborator Larry Carroll and features Christ in a "sea of despair", while having amputated arms, missing an eye, while standing in a sea of blood with severed heads. Larry Carroll is an Artist who has worked for The Progressive, The Village Voice and the New York Times drawing political illustrations ^[91] Joseph Dias of the Mumbai Christian group Catholic Secular Forum in India took "strong exception" to the original album artwork, and issued a memorandum to Mumbai's police commissioner in protest. ^[92] On October 11, 2006 EMI announced that all stocks had been destroyed, noting it had no plans to re-release the record in India in the future. Events 1138 - A massive earthquake struck Aleppo, Syria. 1531 - Huldrych Zwingli is killed Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ^[91]

"I know that Tom and Dave both are religious people. Just goes to show you that grown people can be in the same band and have very different views. " ^[93]

Band members

For more details on this topic, see Slayer band members.

Current members

• Tom Araya – bass & lead vocals (1981–present)
• Jeff Hanneman – guitar (1981–present)
• Kerry King – guitar (1981–present)
• Dave Lombardo – drums (1981–1986, 1987–1992, 2002–present)

Former members

• Paul Bostaph – drums (1992–1996, 1997–2001)
• Jon Dette – drums (1996–1997)
• Tony Scaglione – drums (1986–1987)

Discography

Main article: Slayer discography

• 1983: Show No Mercy
• 1985: Hell Awaits
• 1986: Reign in Blood
• 1988: South of Heaven
• 1990: Seasons in the Abyss
• 1994: Divine Intervention
• 1998: Diabolus in Musica
• 2001: God Hates Us All
• 2006: Christ Illusion
• TBA: Untitled 10th album

References

External links

• Official Slayer website
• Slayer at MySpace
• Slayerat Billboard