When it comes to thrash metal, Slayer is a name that rings loud and clear. This iconic band, formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, drummer Dave Lombardo, and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, has been a driving force in the heavy metal scene for decades. Known for their intense speed, aggressive music, and dark lyrics, Slayer has left an indelible mark on the genre and their fans. But there’s more to Slayer than just their music. Get ready to dive into 24 fascinating facts about Slayer, spiced up with some juicy gossip and quirky stories!
1. The Birth of a Beast: Why Slayer?
Fact: The name “Slayer” wasn’t just a random pick. It was chosen to evoke a sense of violence and darkness, perfectly matching their music style.
Gossip: According to legend, the band almost went with “Dragonslayer,” but thankfully, they opted for the shorter, punchier “Slayer” instead. Imagine headbanging to “Dragonslayer”!
2. Influenced by the Best: What Band Inspired Slayer?
Fact: Slayer was heavily influenced by bands like Venom, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. Their love for speed and aggression was inspired by these legendary acts.
Gossip: Kerry King once admitted that he would play Judas Priest’s “Hell Bent for Leather” on repeat, driving his family crazy!
3. Speed Demons: What Type of Band is Slayer?
Fact: Slayer is classified as a thrash metal band, known for their incredibly fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs.
Gossip: Dave Lombardo, Slayer’s drummer, is often referred to as the “Godfather of Double Bass” for his insane drumming speed. He once broke a world record by playing over 1,000 beats per minute!
4. Breaking Up the Band: Why Did Slayer Break Up?
Fact: Slayer officially disbanded in 2019 after nearly four decades of thrashing.
Gossip: Rumor has it that the band members wanted to retire while still at the top of their game. Plus, Tom Araya, the band’s frontman, hinted at neck issues from years of headbanging!
5. Influencing the Future: Did Slayer Influence Death Metal?
Fact: Absolutely! Slayer’s music had a profound influence on the death metal genre, inspiring countless bands with their brutal sound and dark themes.
Gossip: Cannibal Corpse, one of the biggest names in death metal, once confessed that without Slayer, they might never have picked up their instruments.
6. Retirement Blues: Has Slayer Retired?
Fact: Yes, Slayer has retired from touring and recording as of 2019.
Gossip: Even though they’ve retired, their legacy lives on. Fans speculate about a potential reunion tour, but the band members have been pretty tight-lipped about any future plans.
7. The Thrash Metal Big Four
Fact: Slayer is part of the “Big Four” of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.
Gossip: At the “Big Four” concerts, there were some legendary backstage parties. Word is that James Hetfield of Metallica and Kerry King had a friendly competition to see who could outdrink the other. Spoiler: It was a tie!
8. Banned and Censored
Fact: Slayer’s controversial lyrics and album covers have led to bans and censorship in various countries.
Gossip: In the 80s, the band was banned from playing in Ireland due to their “blasphemous” content. They responded by sending a thank-you card to the censor board, signed “Satan.”
9. Angel of Death Controversy
Fact: “Angel of Death,” one of Slayer’s most famous songs, sparked outrage for its graphic depiction of Nazi doctor Josef Mengele.
Gossip: The band has always maintained that the song was not an endorsement but a historical commentary. Still, the controversy added to their “bad boy” image.
10. Grammy Glory
Fact: Slayer has won two Grammy Awards, both for Best Metal Performance.
Gossip: The band celebrated their first Grammy win in 2007 by throwing a wild party where they reportedly drank the venue’s entire supply of beer!
11. Not for the Faint-Hearted
Fact: Slayer’s live shows are legendary for their intensity and mosh pits.
Gossip: At a concert in 1986, the crowd’s moshing was so intense that the venue’s floorboards broke, causing the show to be stopped for safety reasons.
12. Hanneman’s Heineken Guitar
Fact: Jeff Hanneman’s famous “Heineken” guitar is one of the most recognizable guitars in metal history.
Gossip: The guitar wasn’t just for show; Hanneman actually loved Heineken beer and had the guitar custom-made to look like a Heineken label.
13. Tattoo Tributes
Fact: Slayer fans are known for their extreme loyalty, often getting tattoos of the band’s logo or lyrics.
Gossip: Tom Araya once met a fan who had his entire back tattooed with the cover of “Reign in Blood.” Araya was so impressed that he invited the fan backstage to hang out with the band.
14. Slayer’s Cinematic Moment
Fact: Slayer made a cameo appearance in the 2009 film “Punisher: War Zone.”
Gossip: The band performed “War Ensemble” in the movie, and rumor has it that they almost outshone the film’s explosive action scenes with their sheer intensity.
15. Kerry King’s Snake Farm
Fact: Kerry King is an avid reptile enthusiast and owns a large collection of snakes.
Gossip: King once brought a few of his snakes on tour, causing quite a stir among the crew. One snake reportedly escaped and was found chilling in a roadie’s bunk!
16. The Big Cheese
Fact: Tom Araya worked as a respiratory therapist before Slayer hit it big.
Gossip: Despite his metal persona, Araya is known for his calm and caring nature. He once saved a fan from an asthma attack during a concert by using his medical training.
17. Slayer on the Simpsons
Fact: Slayer was referenced in an episode of “The Simpsons” where Bart and Milhouse form a thrash metal band.
Gossip: The band’s appearance in such a mainstream show solidified their status as metal legends. Kerry King joked that it was his proudest moment, even more so than winning Grammys.
see also: 21 Fun Facts About Daniel Radcliffe
18. The Final Tour
Fact: Slayer’s final world tour in 2018-2019 was a massive success, selling out venues worldwide.
Gossip: The tour was so popular that fans traveled from other countries just to catch a glimpse of their idols one last time. There were even marriage proposals in the mosh pits!
19. Slayer in Space?
Fact: Slayer’s music was included in a NASA playlist for astronauts to listen to in space.
Gossip: Astronauts reportedly found Slayer’s intense music to be a great way to stay awake and energized during long missions. “Raining Blood” in zero gravity? Yes, please!
20. Comic Book Heroes
Fact: Slayer has their own comic book series, “Slayer: Repentless,” based on their music videos.
Gossip: The comic’s storyline is as brutal and bloody as their lyrics, making it a must-read for hardcore fans. Some fans even cosplay as characters from the comic at concerts!
21. Merch Madness
Fact: Slayer’s merchandise is some of the most sought-after in metal, from t-shirts to limited edition vinyl.
Gossip: At one point, their “Slayer Christmas Sweater” became a viral hit, with fans proudly wearing the festive yet brutal attire at holiday parties.
22. A Hall of Fame Snub
Fact: Despite their massive influence, Slayer has not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Gossip: Fans have started petitions and online campaigns to get the band inducted, but the Hall of Fame remains silent. Kerry King isn’t too bothered, saying, “We don’t need their validation.”
23. Slayer’s Secret Show
Fact: Slayer once played a secret show under the pseudonym “Wyld Stallyns” in homage to the movie “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”
Gossip: Only hardcore fans figured out the ruse, and the intimate gig became the stuff of legend. Those lucky enough to attend still brag about it today!
24. Cover Kings
Fact: Slayer has covered songs by artists ranging from Iron Maiden to The Exploited.
Gossip: Their cover of Iron Butterfly’s “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” for the “Less Than Zero” soundtrack was so intense that it almost didn’t make it into the movie. The producers thought it was “too Slayer.”
So there you have it, folks—24 incredible facts about Slayer that showcase not just their music but the wild, humorous, and sometimes unbelievable stories that make them legends. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just metal-curious, Slayer’s legacy is one that will continue to roar through the ages.