Slayer, one of the most iconic metal bands in history, has announced their reunion after nearly five years since officially disbanding. The band is set to perform at two festival dates this fall, with shows scheduled at Chicago's Riot Fest on Sept. 22 and the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky five days later. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, with the possibility of additional tour dates being hinted at.
Vocalist/bassist Tom Araya expressed the band's eagerness to return to the stage, stating, 'Nothing compares to the 90 minutes when we're on stage playing live, sharing that intense energy with our fans.' Guitarist Kerry King also shared his enthusiasm, emphasizing the significance of Slayer to both the band and their dedicated fan base.
The current lineup features founding members Araya and King, along with former Exodus members Paul Bostaph on drums and Gary Holt on guitars. The band's last performance together was in November 2019 at the conclusion of their 'Final World Tour.'
Slayer, formed in 1981, quickly rose to prominence as part of the thrash and speed metal movement alongside bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Their collaboration with producer Rick Rubin resulted in critically acclaimed albums such as 'Reign in Blood,' 'South of Heaven,' and 'Seasons in the Abyss,' solidifying their place in metal history.
Despite the band members pursuing other projects in recent years, the allure of performing live once again proved irresistible. The unexpected reunion comes as a pleasant surprise to fans who have eagerly awaited the return of Slayer's electrifying live performances.
