Slayer’s Kerry King is back in action with his debut solo album, From Hell I Rise (Reigning Phoenix Music). I know a LOT of talking heads have had much to say about this album, even before one note was released. You’d think this was a decade ago and we were forced to watch LeBron’s “decision” on ESPN (OY!).
So let’s see what’s what. We’ve got Mr. King and Phil Demmel (Machine Head) on guitars; Paul Bostaph (Slayer, Testament) on drums; Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH) on bass; and vocal God Mark Osegueda (Death Angel) handling the mic. And the results? They’re a goddamn embarrassment of riches!
Right from jump we’ve got “Where I Reign” and “Residue” guaranteed to wreck some necks. Next up is the killer tune “Idle Hands” — one I loved from the first spin — and then “Trophies of the Tyrant,” which has been my favorite since I got the album. The riff on that thing is like a hot knife through butter, and the lead break is pretty sweet.
“Crucifixation” is a straight-up neck wrecker and if the band doesn’t play it live on their summer tour, then I don’t know my business.
Another gem was “Tension” due to its atmosphere and evil feel. Meanwhile “Everything I Hate About You” and “Toxic” sound very SLAYER-esque. Is this bad? Hell, no! These are the tunes I’ve banged my head most to.
In the back half, “Two Fists” will give you two black eyes and a bloody lip — all before 9 a.m. — and the title track, “From Hell I Rise” is a rage of ragers.
In the end, this is an awesome record that I’ve been fortunate to have been spinning for a month, all while keeping quiet about it until now.
Believe me when I tell you this: From Hell I Rise is one of 2024’s best metal albums!
Tracklisting:
- Diablo
- Where I Reign
- Residue
- Idle Hands
- Trophies Of The Tyrant
- Crucifixation
- Tension
- Everything I Hate About You
- Toxic
- Two Fists
- Rage
- Shrapnel
- From Hell I Rise
Kerry King Band — 2024
- Kerry King – Guitar
- Ky Sanders – Bass
- Phil Demmell – Guitar
- Mark Osegueda – Vocals
- Paul Bostaph – Drums
