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Slayer was formed in 1982, by Los Angeles schoolmates and guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Tom Araya soon joined on bass and vocals, and drummer Dave Lombardo joined last later in 1982. They played in a style reminiscent of early Exodus, influenced heavily by punk acts Minor Threat, The Stooges and metal bands Venom and Judas Priest, before their attendance at a mid-1982 Metallica concert convinced them to play faster and heavier.
``Black Magic``, the heaviest, darkest, and most evil song at the time, was written in February, 1983, and marked Slayer’s definite venture into thrash metal. They secured a spot on the compilation appeareance ``Metal Massacre III`` in 1983, contributing the speed metal song ``Aggressive Perfector``. They also recorded two demos in 1983, and became a popular live act in the Los Angeles area. (In 1983, Bob Gourley filled in for Dave for one gig. He later appeared in Dark Angel (US).) Their debut LP, Show No Mercy, was recorded in November, 1983.)
A live EP was recorded in the studio in front of 50 of their closest friends in January, 1984, and after that ``Show No Mercy`` was released. The ``Haunting the Chapel`` and ``Live Undead`` EPs followed.
After 1985’s ``Hell Awaits``, Slayer were signed to Rick Rubin’s Def Jam record label, better known for acts like Run-D.M.C.. This led to three studio albums, including the brutal ``Reign in Blood``, as well as a 1991 live double CD, ``Decade Of Aggression``. |
