THE END OF AN ERA: SLAYER RETIRES
An article by Gerswin Reynolds
November 30, 2019 was a sad day for heavy metal fans; SLAYER, one of thrash metal’s premier bands, and one of metal’s most beloved groups of all time, closed out the final show of their career. As the last notes of “Angel of Death” rang out over the rowdy audience, Kerry King shed his iconic chains and Tom Araya gave a heartfelt speech.
Slayer’s exit from heavy metal is a big deal. The group formed in 1981, dropping their first album Show No Mercy in ’83. They quickly became one of the San Francisco Bay Area Thrash bands that modernized metal and made it a force to be reckoned with. Slayer, along with Megadeth, Exodus, Testament, and Anthrax, shattered eardrums with unrelenting guitar riffs and uncompromising lyrics. Although many are quick to defend Metallica are the kings of Thrash, there are many who will point to Slayer as the band that kept that spirit alive. Whether you listen to the band’s debut studio album, 1986’s Reign in Blood, or their final album Repentless, that spirit will never die.
Slayer fans are diehard fans. “Slayer!” has been yelled at every concert imaginable.
Is Slayer really done? It’s a fair question when bands like Motley Crue, My Chemical Romance, Rage Against the Machine have all announced reunion tours. Oh and remember how Ozzy Osbourne and Kiss both retired and then came back? Only time will tell, but Slayer seems to be giving it up for good. One thing we do know is that Slayer fans are die hard. They let the world know the name of their favorite band. Here’s a tip, next time you’re at a concert, even if it’s a Coldplay show, scream out “Slayer!”. Someone will let you know they’ve heard you.
Gerswin Reynolds
Slayer The Final World Tour
The Final Campaign @ The Forum, Los Angeles, on November 30, 2019
SETLIST
1. South Of Heaven
2. Repentless
3. Postmortem
4. World Painted Blood
5. Hate Worldwide
6. War Ensemble
7. Stain Of Mind
8. Disciple
9. When The Stillness Comes
10. Born Of Fire
11. Payback
12. Seasons In The Abyss
13. Jesus Saves
14. Chemical Warfare
15. Hell Awaits
16. Dead Skin Mask
17. Show No Mercy
18. Raining Blood
19. Mandatory Suicide
20. Angel Of Death
I am proud to host an article by Senior Editor and musician Gerswin Reynolds talking through Slayer’s Final World Tour and last show held on November 30, 2019 at The Forum, Los Angeles, CA. To find out more about Gerswin, sneak peek into his music background and bio at:
www.sickandsound.it/meet-my-editors
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