Slayer

Slayer are a thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, drummer Dave Lombardo and vocalist and bassist Tom Araya. Their fast, aggressive style placed them among thrash's "big four" alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. King and Hanneman wrote all the music, while their lyrics and artwork, dealing with serial killers, occultism, religion, fascism and war, brought album bans, delays, lawsuits and complaints from religious groups.

Reign in Blood (1986), their third album, is regarded as one of thrash's heaviest and most influential records. Seasons in the Abyss, South of Heaven and God Hates Us All are also among their best-loved. Christ Illusion (2006) earned two Grammy wins, for "Eyes of the Insane" and "Final Six". After Hanneman's death in 2013, Gary Holt joined permanently. The band ended with a farewell tour in 2019, then returned for occasional reunion shows from 2024.