Slayer Reunion After 5 Years, Will Appear In 2 Big Events

JAKARTA - The thrash metal band from California, United States, Slayer is reuniting and will return to the stage after five years ago being declared disbanded.

After last holding a concert in November 2019, the band, which consists of Tom Araya (bass, vocals), Kerry King (guitar), Gary Holt (guitar) and Paul Bostaph (drums) will appear at least two major events, Riot Fest and Louder Than Life.

"Nothing was comparable to 90 minutes when we appeared on stage live, sharing intense energy with our fans. And to be honest, we missed that," said Araya, launching blabbermouth.net, Thursday, February 22.

"Do I miss performing in person? Of course. Slayer means a lot to our fans, they mean a lot to us. It will be five years since we haven't seen them," said King.

Later, Slayer will appear in Riot Fest which will be held in Chicago on September 22. Meanwhile, the performance at Loud Than Life will be held in Louisville on September 27.

For information, earlier this month King admitted that he had not had any contact with Araya since Slayer held his last concert. He mentioned the band's disbandment after Araya decided to retire.

"I think he wants to be at home. Neither of us is really looking for fame, but he certainly doesn't. And when (Slayer guitarist late) Jeff Hanneman was there, he was like a petalap. He didn't want fame. I tolerate fame. Someone has to be that person, "said King.

The 59-year-old guitarist also said that personality differences contributed to the Slayer split.

"Tom and I never agreed," he said. Like if I wanted a chocolate shake, he wanted a vanilla shake," said King.

"We're just different people. The further we go, the more and more years we go through," he added.

"Will I go out with Tom? He likes him a little bit and I'm someone who likes him, so I'm going to try with him, and we're going to separate. We're not going out or anything because we're very different people. And together, we're making great music and great live shows."

Regarding the possibility of Slayer doing another tour, King said, "I'm pretty sure that won't happen. Can Slayer play shows again? I'm sure there's a scenario. Am I looking for it? No, I'm looking for it."