Download Free Slayer Songs

Slayer music biography continued...

Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo. Originally, Slayer was a cover band, but they quickly developed their own heavy metal sound by exploiting devil worship. They were soon featured on some heavy metal compilation albums and a contract and a debut album, 1983's Show No Mercy, soon followed. In 1985, Slayer released an EP called Hell Awaits, which refined their lyrical obsession with Satan into a sort of concept album about damnation and torture and made an immediate sensation in heavy metal circles, winning them a devoted cult following. Slayer's breakthrough into mainstream metal came with Reign in Blood, which contained lyrics so disturbing Columbia Records refused to distribute it. This only resulted in more publicity and exposure for the band. Eventually, Geffen Records stepped in and took the risk and the album soon became heralded by critics as an instant classic in the heavy metal genre. It became the band's first to enter the Billboard 200, debuting at #94 and the band's first album certified gold in the United States. Hailed by some as the greatest speed metal album of all time, Reign in Blood led to Slayer's classification as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands, along with Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth.



All told, since their debut record in 1983, Slayer have released two live albums, one cover album, one box set, three DVDs, one VHS, two EPs, and nine studio albums. Four of their studio albums have gone on to receive gold certification in the United States. The band have also received three Grammy nominations, winning one in 2007 for the song "Eyes of the Insane", and one in 2008 for the song "Final Six". They have headlined music festivals internationally, including Unholy Alliance and Ozzfest. Though they have sparked controversy and protests regarding the graphic nature of their lyrics, Slayer remains in the eyes of many music critics one of the most influential bands in metal history and one with a fan following that is marked by utter and complete devotion.