Five years following their disbandment, Slayer has made a resounding announcement in 2024: they are making a triumphant return as the headliners for Louder Than Life. However, the surprises don’t end there!
In an unexpected turn of events, Slayer is also set to headline Riot Fest 2024 on September 22. Despite this revelation, Slayer has remained tight-lipped about their reunion, opting to keep any official comments under wraps. Their only acknowledgment came through a brief caption on their Instagram account: “It gets you when you least expect it.”
Curiosity abounds regarding the lineup for Slayer in 2024. Remarkably, it remains unchanged from the band’s lineup in 2019 when they disbanded: featuring Tom Araya on bass and vocals, Kerry King and Gary Holt on guitars, and Paul Bostaph on drums.
Reflecting on their return, Araya expressed, “Nothing compares to the 90 minutes when we’re on stage playing live, sharing that intense energy with our fans. And to be honest, we have missed that.” King echoed this sentiment, stating, “Have I missed playing live? Absolutely. Slayer means a lot to our fans; they mean a lot to us. It will be five years since we have seen them.”
While excitement surrounds Slayer’s comeback, there’s also a sense of confusion. This stems from Kerry King’s recent announcement of his solo project, which appeared to be the next step in his career post-Slayer. The question arises: how will King juggle his solo band with his commitments to Slayer, especially with more shows pending?
As fans eagerly anticipate Slayer’s return to the stage, there’s an air of mystery surrounding the band’s future trajectory and Kerry King’s dual musical pursuits. Only time will tell how this chapter unfolds for one of heavy metal’s most iconic bands.
Slayer’s two reunion dates are:
9/22 – Riot Fest – Chicago, IL
9/27 – Louder Than Life – Louisville, KY
