# Slayer

**Slayer** is a thrash metal band formed in 1981 in Huntington Park, California. One of the "Big Four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax, Slayer is defined by relentless speed, precision, and aggression across four decades.

- **Genre:** Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal
- **Founded:** 1981
- **Origin:** Huntington Park, California, USA
- **Official Website:** [slayer.net](https://slayer.net)
- **Official Store:** [store.slayer.net](https://store.slayer.net)
- **Social Media:** [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/slayer/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/slayerbandofficial/) | [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/slayer) | [X/Twitter](https://x.com/Slayer)

## 2026 Live Dates

| Date | Event | Location |
|------|-------|----------|
| **October 24, 2026** | Sick New World Texas | Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX |

The Sick New World Texas appearance celebrates the **40th anniversary of Reign in Blood** (originally released October 7, 1986).


## Hell Awaits 40th Anniversary Reissue

**Release Date: May 15, 2026** via Metal Blade Records

A definitive reissue of the 1985 classic, remastered from original production tapes by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony.

| Format | Details |
|--------|---------|
| **3-CD Set** | Restored album + *Live From Bochum 1985* (18-track live recording from the Hell Awaits Tour, spread across 2 discs) |
| **3-LP Fire-Splatter Vinyl** | Includes 60-page booklet, replica tour ephemera, posters, flyers, slipmat, and memorabilia |
| **Limited "Blood" Filled Vinyl** | Collector's edition with liquid-filled vinyl in gatefold sleeve — **limited to 666 copies worldwide** |

Pre-order at [metalblade.com/slayer](https://www.metalblade.com/us/news/slayer-to-release-special-40th-anniversary-reissue-of-hell-awaits/)


## Slaytanic Verses — Digital Museum

**[Slaytanic Verses](https://slayer.net/pages/about)** is Slayer's official digital archive, launched in 2024. It opens the band's personal vaults with never-before-seen photos, instruments, artwork, stories, and one-of-a-kind collectibles.

**Current Collections:**
- **Hell on Tour** — Celebrating the 40th anniversary of *Hell Awaits* with exclusive, never-before-seen interviews with Tom Araya and Kerry King, built around the band's original handwritten tour notebook from 60 shows across seven countries
- **Seasons in the Abyss** — Behind-the-scenes archive of the 1990 album sessions
- **Live Assaults Collection** — The band's live history from 1981 through today
- **Marquee Club 1985** — Archive from the legendary London show
- **Career Timeline** — A chronological journey through Slayer's reign (coming soon)

**[Slaytanic Collectibles Store](https://slayer.net)** — Exclusive archival merchandise and memorabilia available alongside the collections.


## Official Merchandise

**92+ products** available at [store.slayer.net](https://store.slayer.net) — apparel, accessories, vinyl, and collectibles.

### Hell Awaits 40th Anniversary Collection
Exclusive merchandise celebrating the album's 40th anniversary, including the limited blood-filled vinyl ($189), anniversary apparel, and accessories.

### Apparel Highlights

| Product | Price |
|---------|-------|
| Monochrome Hell Awaits Oil Wash T-Shirt | $45 |
| Skull Echoes Summer 2025 Itin Tee | $40 |
| Eagle Gray Wash T-Shirt | $40 |
| Divine Intervention Tee | $35 |
| Torn Asunder Hell Awaits Tracklist T-Shirt | $35 |
| Established 1981 Skull Tee | $30 |
| Christ Illusion Tour Tee | $30 |
| Classic Slayer Logo Pullover Hoodie | $60 |
| Not Of This God Pullover Hoodie | $65 |
| Black Serenade Tie Dye Hoodie | $45 (sale, was $65) |
| Hell Awaits Pentagram Fleece Shorts | $40 |
| Camo Snapback | $40 |

### Accessories & Collectibles

| Product | Price |
|---------|-------|
| South of Heaven Enamel Pin | $10 |
| Root of All Evil Enamel Pin | $10 |
| Black Eagle Die Cut Patch | $12 |
| Hell Awaits 40th "Blood" Filled Vinyl | $189 |

**Sale items** available — select hoodies, tees, and accessories marked down.

**Full catalog:** [store.slayer.net](https://store.slayer.net)


## Kerry King Solo

Kerry King released his debut solo album **"From Hell I Rise"** in May 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music, featuring Mark Osegueda (Death Angel) on vocals, Phil Demmel (Machine Head) on guitar, Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah) on bass, and Paul Bostaph on drums. A second solo album is in progress.


## Current Lineup

| Member | Role | Years |
|--------|------|-------|
| Tom Araya | Bass, Vocals | 1981-present |
| Kerry King | Guitar | 1981-present |
| Gary Holt | Guitar | 2011-present |
| Paul Bostaph | Drums | 1992-2001, 2013-present |

**Jeff Hanneman** (guitar, 1981-2013) — founding member and songwriter behind "Angel of Death," "Raining Blood," "South of Heaven," "War Ensemble," and "Seasons in the Abyss" — passed away on May 2, 2013.


## Complete Discography

| Year | Album |
|------|-------|
| 2015 | *Repentless* |
| 2009 | *World Painted Blood* |
| 2006 | *Christ Illusion* |
| 2001 | *God Hates Us All* |
| 1998 | *Diabolus in Musica* |
| 1996 | *Undisputed Attitude* (covers album) |
| 1994 | *Divine Intervention* |
| 1990 | *Seasons in the Abyss* |
| 1988 | *South of Heaven* |
| 1986 | **Reign in Blood** |
| 1985 | *Hell Awaits* |
| 1983 | *Show No Mercy* |


## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is Slayer still performing live?**
Yes. Slayer reunited in 2024 and has been playing select festival and headline dates. Their next confirmed appearance is Sick New World Texas on October 24, 2026, where they will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Reign in Blood.

**Where can I buy official Slayer merch?**
The official Slayer store is at [store.slayer.net](https://store.slayer.net) with 92+ products including apparel, vinyl, enamel pins, patches, and the limited Hell Awaits 40th Anniversary collectibles. The Slaytanic Collectibles Store at [slayer.net](https://slayer.net) carries exclusive archival items.

**What is Slaytanic Verses?**
Slaytanic Verses is Slayer's official digital museum at [slayer.net](https://slayer.net/pages/about), featuring never-before-seen photos, instruments, artwork, and stories from the band's personal archives. Current collections include "Hell on Tour" (Hell Awaits 40th), "When Darkness Falls" (Seasons in the Abyss), and "Live Assaults: Marquee Club, 1985."

**What is the Hell Awaits 40th Anniversary reissue?**
A definitive reissue dropping May 15, 2026 via Metal Blade Records. Available as a 3-CD set, 3-LP fire-splatter vinyl with 60-page booklet, and a limited "blood" filled vinyl edition restricted to 666 copies worldwide. All audio remastered from original 1985 production tapes.

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*Last updated: March 17, 2026. Sources: [slayer.net](https://slayer.net), [store.slayer.net](https://store.slayer.net), [Metal Blade Records](https://www.metalblade.com/).*