Slayer Members, Gear & Sound
US thrash metal band
Members
Select a Slayer band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Slayer is an iconic thrash metal band formed in 1982 in Huntington Park, California. Known for their fierce and aggressive sound, the group initially consisted of Kerry King (guitar), Jeff Hanneman (guitar), Tom Araya (bass, vocals), and Dave Lombardo (drums). Slayer's music is characterized by its breakneck speed and intricate guitar work, often delving into themes of death, war, and the macabre. Over the years, they have been pivotal in shaping the thrash metal genre, standing alongside other legendary acts like Metallica and Megadeth. Their influential albums, such as Reign in Blood and Seasons in the Abyss, have cemented their legacy in the metal world.
How to Sound Like Slayer
Slayer's sound is defined by its raw, aggressive intensity and chaotic guitar solos, creating a sonic landscape that is as punishing as it is exhilarating. The heavy, distorted riffs are often driven by high-gain amplifiers, such as the Marshall JCM800 2203KK used by Kerry King, ensuring a powerful and relentless delivery. The ferocious drumming of Dave Lombardo underpins the music with rapid double bass and complex rhythms, while Tom Araya's gritty vocals add an edge of menace. The use of active humbucking pickups, like the EMG 81, contributes to the sharp and precise attack that is quintessential to Slayer's sound, making it a hallmark for those looking to emulate their blistering thrash metal style.
Discography
Show No Mercy
1983
Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel
1984
Live Undead
1984
Hell Awaits
1985
Reign In Blood (Expanded)
1986
South Of Heaven
1988
Seasons In The Abyss
1990
Live: Decade Of Aggression
1991
Divine Intervention
1994
Undisputed Attitude
1996
Diabolus In Musica
1998
God Hates Us All
2001
Soundtrack To The Apocalypse
2003
Christ Illusion
2006
World Painted Blood
2009
Repentless
2015
The Repentless Killogy (Live at the Forum in Inglewood, CA)
2019
Get the Slayer Sound
Want to sound like Slayer? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
