Slayer’s final gig on November 30, 2019, in Los Angeles marked a new beginning for guitarist Kerry King. Though Slayer had ended, King wasn’t done; he had more brutal music brewing which brought to life his first solo album, From Hell I Rise, released on May 17, 2024.King is excited about the album, confident it stands up to anything in Slayer’s history. The album features Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph, guitarist Phil Demmel, bassist Kyle Sanders, and vocalist Mark Osegueda, a friend from the early ‘80s thrash scene. The band’s sound remains fiercely aggressive, with themes touching on war, politics, and societal issues.
The album’s title track, “From Hell I Rise,” serves as a bookend with “Where I Reign,” highlighting King’s lyrical and thematic evolution. Songs like “Residue” and “Toxic” reflect his anger during the pandemic and the political climate, while tracks like “Shrapnel” indulge in more classic metal influences.
King handled all lyrics, and Osegueda’s powerful vocals brought them to life, impressing King with his consistency. Producer Josh Wilbur, who recorded the album at Henson Studios, praised King’s assertive yet approachable style. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and relocating multiple times, King kept the creative process flowing, ensuring that the music stayed true to his vision.
With festival dates booked through Fall 2024, King is ready to deliver a mix of From Hell I Rise material and Slayer classics, proudly continuing his legacy while moving forward.
