Kerry King Opens Up About Life After Slayer: ‘The Fire Still Burns’
Since Slayer’s farewell tour ended in 2019, many have wondered what the band’s legendary guitarist, Kerry King, would do next. Now, in a candid new interview, King has opened up about his life after Slayer, his burning passion for music, and what the future holds.
King, known for his aggressive playing style and ferocious stage presence, admitted that stepping away from Slayer was difficult. “Slayer was my life for nearly 40 years,” he said. “When we played that last show in 2019, I knew it wasn’t the end for me. The fire still burns, and I knew I wasn’t done.”
Despite the band’s retirement, King never lost his hunger for heavy music. He confirmed that he had been working on a new project, which he describes as a continuation of the intense, thrash-metal sound that made Slayer one of the most influential bands in metal history. “I love playing fast, aggressive music. That’s who I am,” he stated. “I didn’t want to sit around and do nothing. So, I started writing right away.”
King’s new band, which includes former Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph, has been generating anticipation among metal fans. While he hasn’t revealed all the details yet, he hinted that the project will maintain the same brutal energy that Slayer was known for. “It’s not Slayer, but it’s definitely something that Slayer fans will appreciate,” he assured. “I don’t want to change who I am musically. If people liked what I did before, they’re going to like this.”
The guitarist also reflected on Slayer’s legacy, acknowledging the impact the band had on metal. “Slayer meant everything to me,” he said. “We changed the game for heavy music, and I’m proud of what we accomplished. But that chapter is closed. Now, I’m looking ahead.”
While there is no official release date for his new project, King promised that new music is coming soon. “I’ve got a lot of riffs, a lot of aggression, and a lot to say,” he said. “I can’t wait for people to hear what’s next.”
For Slayer fans and metalheads worldwide, Kerry King’s return to the spotlight is an exciting development. One thing is certain: his passion for heavy music remains as strong as ever.
Emmanuel