Five years ago, Slayer played their last show and ended their career. The band was, and still is, one of the biggest names in thrash metal worldwide. And the path they traveled gave them the freedom to do what they wanted, but it was too soon for guitarist Kerry King .
Being the other half responsible for Slayer's compositions alongside the late guitarist Jeff Hanneman , and after his death becoming the personification of the band, King still had much to offer the world, even though the legend surrounding his name had already been established. And with that, we arrive at the release of his first solo album , From Hell I Rise , via Reigning Phoenix Music .
Although the album bears the guitarist's name, the band accompanying him is noteworthy. Kerry King assembled a supergroup consisting of colleague and drummer Paul Bostaph ( Slayer , Testament , Exodus ), bassist Kyle Sanders ( Hellyeah ), guitarist and multi-band member Phil Demmel (ex- Machine Head ), and vocalist Mark Osegueda ( Death Angel ).
With this lineup, King certainly set a high standard for his music and managed to deliver the kind of work we expect from him: great riffs, killer solos, more than inspired lyrics, and plenty of Slayer-esque blood splattered everywhere.
Yes, here we have what would be a natural continuation of Repentless (2015), since some tracks from From Hell I Rise would be part of Slayer's next album. Therefore, expect riffs that take you back to the band's older recordings, and I confess I didn't expect anything different from Kerry King, because as mentioned before, he became Slayer. And he's the best at what he does.
The tracks from Kerry King's new album.
Speaking of the tracks, the album opens with the instrumental “Diablo,” which is blatantly Slayer from beginning to end. It does its job very well, setting the stage with heavy guitars and Bostaph's drums taking control and creating the evil atmosphere we love so much. We move on to “Where I Reign,” a mix of thrash and punk that works very well. And Osegueda's line “let the fire set you free” is full of hardcore spirit . It also features an incredible solo in the middle and at the end, showing that the work will be driven by the guitars.
“Residue” arrives at a more measured pace, with an excellent groove and muted guitar riffs. One of the track's highlights is the aggressive vocals, conveying hatred and showcasing great technique. Following this, “Idle Hands” arrives heavier, dirtier, and faster. Exactly as the thrash metal formula dictates. It has touches of South of Heaven (1988) and features another great performance from Osegueda, who shouts “do the devil's work” and opens the way for another great solo.
“Trophies of The Tyrant” has a solid foundation, with the rhythm section showcasing tight work, featuring a sequence of solos that intensify towards the end, accelerating the track as if it were its last gasp. “Crucifixation” is a display of chaos that starts off fast-paced, at a perfect rhythm for headbanging. One of the best tracks on the album, it shows the band at its best with a tight rhythm section, riff after riff from the King/Demmel duo, and even more aggressive vocals. The only downside to this song is the middle section, where a reprise of “Diablo” is played, which ends up breaking the rhythm of a track that could have been shorter, but which thankfully has a great comeback with a killer solo.
A clear political message from Kerry King
Perhaps due to the length of the previous track, the album continues with "Tension" and "Everything I Hate About You," songs with more comfortable tempo. The first is one of the most measured tracks on the album, with a more melodic solo, but without sacrificing heaviness. The second returns with the speed and brutality in true Slayer style. Reinforced by Osegueda's vocals, which are very similar to Tom Araya . The track is the shortest on the album, at less than 90 seconds, and ends up being what "Crucifixation" should have been: impetuous, forceful, and direct.
“Toxic” sums up what King does well. With a catchy, groove-laden riff before dropping into a guitar solo, and a music video that conveys all that energy. The lyrics address how the political landscape is toxic to our mental health. King explains (via Radio Rock ) that the idea came after the government's decision to overturn a law guaranteeing the right to abortion. “It was written right after the decision that overturned Roe v. Wade in the United States… I can’t understand how the American people are okay with that. [ Donald ] Trump divided the country, and it’s still divided. I don’t know what needs to happen to make that change. It certainly won’t be the 2024 election, because nobody cares about either of those candidates.”
“Two Fists” carries punk energy and you’ll be headbanging before you know it. “Rage” is fast-paced, with organized chaos. They fit very well into a live performance with a rhythmic drum beat and solos that would melt anyone’s face. “Shrapnel” starts at a pace that builds and gains strength. Despite lasting five minutes, this homage to the darker heavy metal of the 80s is great from beginning to end.
The legacy of Slayer
Concluding the album is the title track. Proof of how King resurrected Slayer from the ashes to continue his legacy. “From Hell I rise to set the heavens ablaze” is King's mission statement. And he does it with excellence, giving everyone the best of a band that's aligned, gritty, and showing why we need this album among us.
This album is indeed an extension of Slayer, and perhaps what could have happened if the band had continued, being a combination of thrash and heavy metal with excellent execution. The somewhat slow moment mentioned doesn't detract from the brilliance of an album that deserves a 10/10 rating, and is also proof of why Kerry King is one of the best guitarists our scene has ever seen.
In short, it's a welcome return from one of the world's most esteemed musicians.
READ ALSO : Kerry King performs first show with his solo band
