Slayer – Defying Their Critics
One extremely popular metal band that rose to fame in the 80s and 90s is Slayer. Originating in California this band was first formed during 1981. Two talented guitarists gave the band a firm foundation. This duo was Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, and thanks in large part to their talents the group became known as one of the Big 4 heavy metal bands. A bass guitar player was quickly recruited (Tom Araya) for guitar and vocals and they met their future percussionist Dave Lombardo when he was delivering pizzas to King. This heavy hitting band is now compared to musical royalties such as Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth.
In the early days of this band they created a mix of controversy to go along with their music as they played at small events and parties in the southern California area. The group would play their own versions of hits by groups like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. They would also use satanic symbols, pentagrams, and heavy makeup as props during their performances. Strangely, one myth that still persists is that this band came up with the name Dragonslayer and then shortened it, but King continues to insist that none of them have any idea how this urban legend began.
Huge raves were generated from critics and fans alike with the release of the band’s 1986 album “Reign in Blood”. Many people still consider this to be the heaviest of all heavy metal albums ever produced. The group has written and performed numerous songs that they look at from their own perspective, but this does not mean that they have sympathies for what they are describing. This bands values lie with songwriting and performing for the sake of music and the emotional connection this creates with their audience.
Even though Slayer faces strong criticism from the public this has done little to dissuade the group from speaking their own mind. They are known for double drumming, fast tremolo riffs and insane guitar solos, but they are also known for pricking the sensitivities of millions. The controversy this band attracts is mostly a result of the group’s album covers, lyrics, and performances because the members tackle often taboo subjects such as suicide, serial killing, Satanism, anarchism, necrophilia, and death with enthusiasm and abandon.
Slayer are renown for doing things as they please. They have always performed the music and songs that they wanted to do at concerts all across the world. Heavy metal fans buy the recordings and Slayer merch with almost equal enthusiasm. Having shirts, hats, and posters of this legendary metal act brings the fans the feeling that they have established solidarity with the group.
Rewards Slayer has received include 3 separate Grammy nods and won two of them. They were awarded a Grammy in 2007 for “Eyes of the Insane” and again in 2008 for “Final Six”. With 9 albums recorded in studios under their belts, they also have a cover album, 3 DVDS, and 2 live album releases. Four of the Slayer albums have been certified gold.
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