Thrash metal royalty in Slayer guitarist Kerry King has unveiled all the details regarding his eagerly-awaited solo project. The album titled, From Hell I Rise, will land May 17th via Reigning Phoenix Music. Additionally, King has confirmed the collective of musicians he has enlisted to bring his vision to life.
The band features an elite roster of veteran musicians in drummer Paul Bostaph formerly of Slayer, bassist Kyle Sanders of Hellyeah, legendary guitarist Phil Demmel formerly Machine Head and vocalist Mark Osegueda Bay Area thrash OGs, Death Angel.
Beginning the march towards the May 17th arrival date of the album, King has also introduced the project with the release of the staggering first single, “Idle Hands”. Living up to his word of following in his well-established stylistic signature, if you are familiar with King’s vast catalog, his solo project doubles down on his commitment to speed and intensity.
Venerated producer Josh WIlbur worked closely with King to see the album to completion. “I didn’t know what to think, you know, it’s Kerry King from Slayer, who I’ve heard a million times,” said Wilbur. “He’s a very strong presence. I wouldn’t say Kerry has an ego, but he has confidence in himself, which is a good thing. That’s what you want in your rock stars and in your band. He never comes off as a jerk or mean guy. But he does know exactly what he wants. He doesn’t beat around the bush. He’s like, ‘I don’t want to do that, but I want to do this.’ Very direct, but it comes from a place of confidence, and not from a place of anything else. I really enjoyed working with Kerry.”
As for what the fans can expect, King reiterates that if you are familiar with his work, there is something in this solo project that will stick. “If you’ve ever liked any Slayer throughout any part of our history,” King explained, “there’s something on this record that you’ll get into, be it classic punk, fast punk, thrash, or just plain heavy metal!”