Given the sheer madness and extremity of their music, it can be easy to forget that Slayer are from California. The band’s high-octane satanic thrash metal sounds like it hates the beach and loathes hippiedom, and yet Slayer have always been one of Cali’s most loyal musical exports. But now, it appears that with the band dissolved, its members are branching out, as it’s been revealed that Slayer guitarist Kerry King has now relocated to New York City.
In a post on Instagram, Kerry’s wife Ayesha wrote, “I suppose it’s time to tell you all that the King and I have moved to NYC ( back home for me, excited to be near my family again ). I figured I’d beat some acquaintance’s friend buddy who it heard it from a guy to announce it and think he’s cool. I served my time on the west coast for 18 years. Time to be back in the best city on earth.”
We here on the east coast welcome Kerry to our fold, and hope he enjoys a place where everyone is as perpetually angry as Slayer’s music is.
Leaving Cali isn’t the only thing that Kerry has done lately which might raise some eyebrows. After Slayer’s extensive farewell tour, which basically heralded the end of the band, King made a statement that he actually thought Slayer quit too early. The quote came from a new video in which bands from across metal sent their congratulations to Machine Head, who celebrated their 30th anniversary recently.
“I hear congratulations are in order for my friends in Machine Head,” said Kerry. “Apparently, it’s 30 years, which is quite an achievement. Not a lot of bands get there. We did, and then we quit too early. Fuck us. I know. Fuck me. I hate fucking not playing. But! Besides the point. This is Machine Head’s celebration. And I gotta say, I don’t know if Robb knows this, I think Robb knows this, but if you don’t, there you go: the only band I ever demanded to open for Slayer was Machine Head. 1994, Burn My Eyes. Greatest thing I ever did. Cheers to my friends.”
Let’s just hope NYC keeps the piss and vinegar in Kerry. You can watch the full video below:
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Words by Chris Krovatin
