slayer

File:Slayer 1983 press photo.png

Slayer was formed in 1981 by Jeff Hanneman, Dave Lombardo, Tom Araya and Kerry King in Huntington Park, California. The group started out playing covers of songs by bands such as Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Venom at parties and clubs in Southern California. The band's early image relied heavily on Satanic themes that featured pentagrams, make-up, spikes, and inverted crosses.{{cite web|url=https://www.AllMusic.com/artist/slayer-mn0000022124/biography|title=Slayer {{!}} Biography|author=Huey|first=Steve|website=AllMusic|publisher=All Media Network|access-date=January 11, 2018}} Rumors that the band was originally known as Dragonslayer, after the 1981 film of the same name, were denied by King, as he later stated: "We never were; it's a myth to this day."{{cite web|title=Kerry King about the Dragonslayer myth, Christ Illusion, previous albums and experimenting |publisher=www.faceculture.nl |date=October 20, 2006 |url=http://www.faceculture.nl/slayer/index.htm# |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104230520/http://www.faceculture.nl/slayer/index.htm%23 |archive-date=January 4, 2007 |access-date=April 5, 2007 |url-status=dead }} According to Lombardo, the original band name was to be Wings of Fire before they settled in with Slayer.{{Cite web |last=Enis |first=Eli |title=Slayer's Original Band Name Was Wildly Different |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/slayers-original-band-name-was-wildly-different/ |access-date=2025-02-07 |website=Revolver |language=en-US}} According to him, he also designed the band logo. For inspiration, Lombardo thought in a perspective of a murderer of how they would carve out the logo with a knife and since he is lefthanded, the logo is unintentionally slanted to the right.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/LKppPspVNDs Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170822211004/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKppPspVNDs&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |last1=Gruhamed |title=Dave Lombardo - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKppPspVNDs |website=YouTube |date=September 9, 2015 |access-date=9 May 2021}}{{cbignore}}

In 1983, Slayer was invited to open for the band Bitch at the Woodstock Club in Anaheim, California to perform eight songs, six of which were covers. The band was spotted by Brian Slagel, a former music journalist who had recently founded Metal Blade Records. Impressed with Slayer, he met with the band backstage and asked them to record an original song for his upcoming Metal Massacre III compilation album. The band agreed and their song "Aggressive Perfector" created an underground buzz upon its release in mid 1983, which led to Slagel offering the band a recording contract with Metal Blade.{{Cite book |last=Waksman |first=Steve |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LqDJjAeYxssC |title=This Ain't the Summer of Love: Conflict and Crossover in Heavy Metal and Punk |date=2009 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-94388-9 |editor-last=Waksman |editor-first=Steve |location=Berkeley, CA |pages=235 |doi=10.1525/9780520943889 |oclc=1399981480 |ol=29602596M}}

File:Jeff Hanneman f9e o.jpg was the guitarist of Slayer for 30 years, from 1981 to 2011. He was the main songwriter along with Kerry King, as well as a lyricist.]]

Without any recording budget, the band had to self-finance its debut album. Combining the savings of Araya, who was employed as a respiratory therapist,{{cite web|title=Live Chat with Tom Araya of Slayer|publisher=ESPguitars.com|url=http://www.espguitars.com/news/news_tomchat.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112194539/http://www.espguitars.com/news/news_tomchat.html|archive-date=November 12, 2006|access-date=December 10, 2006}}{{Cite book |last=McIver |first=Joel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UffkZCMjXzoC&dq=tom+araya+respiratory+therapist&pg=PT55 |title=The Bloody Reign of Slayer |date=2009-11-11 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=978-0-85712-038-0 |language=en}} and money borrowed from King's father,{{cite magazine |last=Bennett |first=J. |date=August 2006 |title=An exclusive oral history of Slayer |url=http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4566 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813155123/http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4566 |archive-date=August 13, 2006 |access-date=February 13, 2018 |magazine=Decibel Magazine |issue=22}} the band entered the studio in November 1983. The album was rushed into release, stocking shelves three weeks after tracks were completed. Show No Mercy, released in December 1983 by Metal Blade Records, generated underground popularity for the band. The group began a club tour of California to promote the album. The tour gave the band additional popularity and sales of Show No Mercy eventually reached more than 20,000 in the US and another 20,000 worldwide.{{cite web |author=German, Eric |title=Interview with Brian Slagel |url=http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewmetalblade.html |access-date=December 4, 2006 |publisher=Metalupdate.com}}

In February 1984, King briefly joined Dave Mustaine's new band Megadeth.{{cite web|title=Megadeth History|publisher=Megadeth.com|url=http://www.megadeth.com/index.php?section=history|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061119080050/http://www.megadeth.com/index.php?section=history|archive-date=November 19, 2006|access-date=December 10, 2006}} Hanneman was worried about King's decision, stating in an interview, "I guess we're gonna get a new guitar player." While Mustaine wanted King to stay on a permanent basis, King left after five shows, stating Mustaine's band was "taking too much of my time." The split caused a rift between King and Mustaine, which evolved into a long running feud between the two bands.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=32802 |title=Slayer's Kerry King Says Dave Mustaine is 'A Cocksucker' |date=February 12, 2005 |work=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=October 21, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318010526/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=32802 |archive-date=March 18, 2007 }}

In June 1984, Slayer released a three-track EP called Haunting the Chapel. The EP featured a darker, more thrash-oriented style than Show No Mercy, and laid the groundwork for the future direction of the band.{{cite web|title=Slayer:Haunting the Chapel|author=Rivadavia, Eduardo|website=AllMusic|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,164341,00.html|access-date=December 1, 2006|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304234807/http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,164341,00.html|url-status=dead}} The opening track, "Chemical Warfare", has become a live staple, played at nearly every show since 1984.{{cite web|title=Dark Angel|publisher=Voicesfromthedarkside.com|url=http://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interviews/darkangel2.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310192817/http://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interviews/darkangel2.htm|archive-date=2007-03-10|access-date=March 4, 2007}}

Later that year, Slayer began their first national club tour, traveling in Araya's Camaro towing a U-Haul trailer. The band recorded the live album Live Undead in November 1984 while in New York City.

{{Listen|filename=Hell Awaits clip.ogg|title="Hell Awaits" (1985)|description="Hell Awaits" features a backwards recording of a demonic voice saying "join us" and "welcome back".}}

In March 1985, Slayer began a national tour with Venom and Exodus, resulting in their first live home video dubbed Combat Tour: The Ultimate Revenge. The video featured live footage filmed at the Studio 54 club. The band then made its live European debut at the Heavy Sound Festival in Belgium opening for UFO.{{cite web|title=Slayer – Jeff Hanneman|author=Lahtinen, Lexi|publisher=Metal-rules.com|date=December 18, 2006|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=737&Itemid=60|access-date=December 27, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016115533/http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=737&Itemid=60|archive-date=October 16, 2014|url-status=dead}}

Show No Mercy had sold over 40,000 copies, which led to the band returning to the studio to record their second full-length album. Metal Blade financed a recording budget, which allowed the band to hire producer Ron Fair. Released in April 1985, Slayer's second full-length album, Hell Awaits, expanded on the darkness of Haunting the Chapel, with hell and Satan as common song subjects. The album was the band's most progressive offering, featuring longer and more complex song structures. The intro of the title track is a backwards recording of a demonic-sounding voice repeating "Join us", ending with "Welcome back" before the track begins. The album was a hit, with fans choosing Slayer for best band and live band, Hell Awaits as 1985's best album, and Dave Lombardo as best drummer in Metal Forces{{'}} 1985 Readers Poll.{{cite web|title=Rockdetector Biography – Years 85 to 86 |author=Sharpe-Young, Garry |publisher=Rockdetector.com |url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,8189.sm |access-date=December 8, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165251/http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio%2C8189.sm |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}

File:14-06-08 RiP Slayer Kerry King 1.JPG is one of the two constant members of Slayer.]]

Following the success of Hell Awaits, Slayer was offered a recording contract with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin's newly founded Def Jam Records, then a largely hip hop-based label. The band accepted, and with an experienced producer and major label recording budget, the band underwent a sonic makeover for their third album Reign in Blood, resulting in shorter, faster songs with clearer production. The complex arrangements and long songs featured on Hell Awaits were ditched in favor of stripped down, hardcore punk influenced song structures.

Def Jam's distributor, Columbia Records, refused to release the album due to the song "Angel of Death" which detailed Holocaust concentration camps and the human experiments conducted by Nazi physician Josef Mengele. The album was distributed by Geffen Records on October 7, 1986. However, due to the controversy, Reign in Blood did not appear on Geffen Records' release schedule. Although the album received virtually no radio airplay, it became the band's first to enter the Billboard 200, peaking at number 94, and the band's first album certified gold in the United States.

Slayer began touring in support of Reign in Blood in late 1986 with Overkill.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=82810|title=Sunday Old School: Slayer|author=Diamond Oz|date=July 22, 2012|publisher=Metal Underground|access-date=February 22, 2015}}{{Cite web|last=Beaugez|first=Jim|date=November 12, 2021|title=How 1986 Became The Epicenter Of A New Metal Sound: Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, And The Albums That Defined Thrash Metal|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/metallica-megadeth-slayer-anthrax-1986-new-metal-sound-albums-that-defined-thrash-interview|access-date=February 12, 2025|website=Grammy.com|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Sacher|first=Andrew|date=November 12, 2021|title=Listen to a newly unearthed Slayer concert recording from 1986|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/listen-to-a-newly-unearthed-slayer-concert-recording-from-1986/|access-date=February 12, 2025|website=BrooklynVegan|language=en-US}} The band was added as the opening act on W.A.S.P.'s US tour, but just one month into it, drummer Lombardo left the band: "I wasn't making any money. I figured if we were gonna be doing this professionally, on a major label, I wanted my rent and utilities paid." To continue with the tour, Slayer enlisted Tony Scaglione of Whiplash. However, Lombardo was convinced by his wife to return in 1987. At the insistence of Rubin, Slayer recorded a cover version of Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" for the film Less than Zero. Although the band was not happy with the final product, Hanneman deeming it "a poor representation of Slayer" and King labeling it "a hunk of shit", it was one of their first songs to garner radio airplay.

In late 1987, Slayer returned to the studio to record their fourth studio album. To contrast the speed of Reign in Blood, the band consciously decided to slow down the tempos and incorporate more melodic singing. According to Hanneman, "We knew we couldn't top Reign in Blood, so we had to slow down. We knew whatever we did was gonna be compared to that album, and I remember we actually discussed slowing down. It was weird—we've never done that on an album, before or since."

Released in July 1988, South of Heaven received mixed responses from both fans and critics, although it was Slayer's most commercially successful release at the time, debuting at number 57 on the Billboard 200,{{cite magazine|title=Artist Chart History|magazine=Billboard|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=slayer|chart=all}}|access-date=March 25, 2007}} and their second album to receive gold certification in the United States.{{cite web|title=Recording Industry Association of America Gold & Platinum Searchable Database |publisher=RIAA |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |access-date=March 24, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626050454/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |archive-date=June 26, 2007 }} Press response to the album was mixed, with AllMusic citing the album as "disturbing and powerful",{{cite web|title=South ofs Heaven|author=Henderson, Alex|publisher=AllMusicguide.com|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r18221|pure_url=yes}}|access-date=December 13, 2006}} and Kim Neely of Rolling Stone calling it "genuinely offensive satanic drivel".{{cite magazine | title = Slayer: Album Reviews | author = Neely, Kim | magazine = Rolling Stone | date = 2002 | url = https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/slayer/albums/album/128851/review/5943269/south_of_heaven | access-date = November 29, 2006 | url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070403101103/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/slayer/albums/album/128851/review/5943269/south_of_heaven | archive-date = 2007-04-03}} King said "that album was my most lackluster performance", although Araya called it a "late bloomer" which eventually grew on people. Touring for South of Heaven took place between August 1988 and January 1989,{{Cite web|title=WORLD SACRIFICE TOUR – Slayer Official|url=https://www.slayer.net/products/world-sacrifice-tour|access-date=February 12, 2025|website=slayer.net|language=en-US}} which included opening for Judas Priest on their Ram It Down tour{{Cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|date=March 10, 2022|title=Slayer's Kerry King on Why Judas Priest Matter|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/slayer-kerry-king-judas-priest-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-1297500/|access-date=February 12, 2025|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}} and headlining a North American tour with Motörhead and Overkill.{{Cite web|last=Shadows|first=Em|date=October 6, 2022|title=Tour Support: The 10 Best Slayer Tours of All Time|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/10/06/tour-support-the-10-best-slayer-tours-of-all-time/|access-date=February 12, 2025|website=MetalSucks|language=en-US}}

File:14-06-08 RiP Slayer Tom Araya 2.JPG was one of the two constant members of Slayer.]]

Slayer returned to the studio in early 1990 with co-producer Andy Wallace to record its fifth studio album. Following the backlash created by South of Heaven, Slayer returned to the "pounding speed of Reign in Blood, while retaining their newfound melodic sense."{{cite web|title=Season in the Abyss AMG album review|author=Huey, Steve|website=AllMusic|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r18222|pure_url=yes}}

|access-date=December 13, 2006}} Seasons in the Abyss, released on October 9, 1990, was the first Slayer album to be released under Rubin's new Def American label, as he had parted ways with Def Jam owner Russell Simmons over creative differences. The album debuted at number #57 and peak at #40 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold in 1992. The album spawned Slayer's first music video for the album's title track, which was filmed in front of the Giza pyramids in Egypt. In support of Seasons in the Abyss, the band participated in the Clash of the Titans tour that was co-headlined by Megadeth; a European leg featured Testament and Suicidal Tendencies, while the North American trek had Anthrax and a then-unknown Alice in Chains as the direct support act.{{Cite web|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|date=April 13, 2010|title=Clash of the Titans Tour: Iron Giants|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/clash-titans-tour-iron-giants|access-date=February 12, 2025|website=Guitar World|language=en-US|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216160040/https://www.guitarworld.com/features/clash-titans-tour-iron-giants|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|last=Gilmore|first=Mikal|date=July 11, 1991|title=Heavy Metal Thunder: Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/heavy-metal-thunder-slayer-megadeth-and-anthrax-185010/|access-date=February 12, 2025|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}} The band released a double live album, Decade of Aggression in 1991, to celebrate ten years since their formation. It debuted at number 55 on the Billboard 200.

In May 1992, Lombardo left the band due to conflicts with the other members, as well as his desire to be off tour for the birth of his first child.{{cite web|title=Meet the new Slayer, same as the old Slayer|author=Patrizio, Andy|website=IGN|date=August 14, 2006|url=http://au.music.ign.com/articles/725/725459p1.html|access-date=December 1, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814051508/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/14/slayer-christ-illusion|archive-date=August 14, 2014|url-status=dead}} Lombardo formed his own band Grip Inc., with Voodoocult guitarist Waldemar Sorychta,{{cite web|title=Waldemar Sorychta interview|publisher=antenna.nu|url=http://www.antenna.nu/gripinc/interview1.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20041011112025/http://www.antenna.nu/gripinc/interview1.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 11, 2004|access-date=January 10, 2006}} and Slayer recruited former Forbidden drummer Paul Bostaph to fill in the drummer position. Slayer made its debut appearance with Bostaph at the 1992 Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington. Bostaph's first studio effort was a medley of three Exploited songs, "War", "UK '82", and "Disorder", with rapper Ice-T, for the Judgment Night movie soundtrack in 1993.{{cite web|title=Legendary rapper and longtime metal advocate moves on with the Body Count|author=Bennett, J.|publisher=Decibelmagazine.com|url=http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4908|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020204850/http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4908

|archive-date=October 20, 2006|access-date=March 27, 2007}}

{{Listen|filename=Slayer_SS3_clip.ogg|title="SS-3" (1994)|description="SS-3" is about Reinhard Heydrich, an architect of the Holocaust. SS-3 refers to the license plate number of the car in which he was killed.}}

On September 27, 1994, Slayer released Divine Intervention, the band's first album with Bostaph on the drums. The album featured songs about Reinhard Heydrich, an architect of the Holocaust, and Jeffrey Dahmer, an American serial killer and sex offender. Other themes included murder, the evils of church, and the lengths to which governments went to wield power. Araya's interest in serial killers inspired much of the content of the lyrics.{{cite web|title=Divine Intervention – Slayer|author=Henderson, Alex|website=AllMusic|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r203780|pure_url=yes}}

|access-date=June 21, 2007}}

Slayer geared up for a world tour in 1995, with openers Biohazard and Machine Head. A video of concert footage, Live Intrusion, was released, featuring a joint cover of Venom's "Witching Hour" with Machine Head. Following the tour, Slayer was billed third at the 1995 Monsters of Rock festival, headlined by Metallica. In 1996, Undisputed Attitude, an album of punk covers, was released. The band covered songs by Minor Threat, T.S.O.L., Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, D.I., Verbal Abuse, Dr. Know, and The Stooges. The album featured three original tracks, "Gemini", "Can't Stand You", "DDAMM"; the latter two were written by Hanneman in 1984–1985 for a side project entitled Pap Smear. Bostaph left Slayer shortly after the album's recording to work on his own project, Truth About Seafood. With Bostaph's departure, Slayer recruited Testament drummer Jon Dette and headlined the 1996 Ozzfest alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Danzig, Biohazard, Sepultura, and Fear Factory. Dette was fired after a year due to a fallout with band members. After that, Bostaph returned to continue the tour.{{cite web|title=Jon Dette has left Slayer and is being replaced by Paul Bostaph!|author=Hellqvist, Janek|publisher=Slaytanic.com|date=January 27, 1997|url=http://www.slaytanic.com/news.html|access-date=December 10, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061026042926/http://www.slaytanic.com/news.html|archive-date=October 26, 2006}}

Diabolus in Musica (Latin for "The Devil in Music") was released in 1998, and debuted at number 31 on the Billboard 200, selling over 46,000 copies in its first week.{{cite news|title=Slayer: 'Christ Illusion' lands at No. 5 on Billboard chart! |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 16, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=56559 |access-date=January 10, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181103/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=56559 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }} It was complete by September 1997, and scheduled to be released the following month, but got delayed by nine months after their label was taken over by Columbia Records.{{Cite web|url=https://metalinvader.net/interview-with-slayer-july-1998-issue-0021/|title=Interview with Slayer – July 1998 – Issue 0021 | Metal Invader|author=|date=September 6, 2015 }} The album received a mixed critical reception, and was criticized for adopting characteristics of nu metal music such as tuned down guitars, murky chord structures, and churning beats. Blabbermouth.net reviewer Borivoj Krgin described the album as "a feeble attempt at incorporating updated elements into the group's sound, the presence of which elevated the band's efforts somewhat and offered hope that Slayer could refrain from endlessly rehashing their previous material for their future output",{{cite news|title=Slayer God Hates Us All (American) |author=Krgin, Borivoj |work=Blabbermouth.net |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=50 |access-date=May 29, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930222618/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=50 |archive-date=September 30, 2007}} while Ben Ratliff of The New York Times had similar sentiments, writing on June 22, 1998, that: "Eight of the 11 songs on Diabolus in Musica, a few of which were played at the show, are in the same gray key, and the band's rhythmic ideas have a wearying sameness too."{{cite news|last=Ratliff|first=Ben|title=It's a Major Metal Band, and Even the Furniture Isn't Safe|work=The New York Times|date=June 22, 1998|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/22/arts/pop-review-it-s-a-major-metal-band-and-even-the-furniture-isn-t-safe.html}}

The album was the band's first to primarily feature dropped tuning, making use of the tritone interval referred to in the Middle Ages as the Devil's interval.{{cite news|title=The Devil's Music|author=Rohrer, Finlo|work=BBC News|date=May 28, 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4952646.stm|access-date=January 22, 2006}} Slayer teamed up with digital hardcore group Atari Teenage Riot to record a song for the Spawn soundtrack titled "No Remorse (I Wanna Die)". The band paid tribute to Black Sabbath by recording a cover of "Hand of Doom" for the second of two tribute albums, titled Nativity in Black II. A world tour followed to support the new album, with Slayer making an appearance at the United Kingdom Ozzfest 1998.

During mid-2001, the band joined Morbid Angel, Pantera, Skrape and Static-X on the Extreme Steel Tour of North America, which was Pantera's last major tour.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/80204/pantera-sets-extreme-steel-lineup|title=Pantera Sets 'Extreme Steel' Lineup|publisher=Billboard|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=November 1, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1444695/pantera-slayer-deliver-lesson-in-brutality-at-extreme-steel-kickoff/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131201044/http://www.mtv.com/news/1444695/pantera-slayer-deliver-lesson-in-brutality-at-extreme-steel-kickoff/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2018|title=Pantera, Slayer Deliver Lesson In Brutality At Extreme Steel Kickoff|publisher=MTV|date=June 21, 2001|access-date=November 1, 2021}} After delays regarding remixing and artwork, including slip covers created to cover the original artwork as it was deemed "too graphic", Slayer's next album, God Hates Us All, was released on September 11, 2001. The band received its first Grammy nomination for the lead track "Disciple", although the Grammy was awarded to Tool for "Schism".{{cite web|title=44th Grammy Awards – 2002|publisher=Rockonthenet.com|date=February 27, 2002|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2002/grammys.htm|access-date=November 29, 2006}} The September 11 attacks on America jeopardized the 2001 European tour Tattoo the Planet, originally set to feature Pantera, Static-X, Cradle of Filth, Biohazard and Vision of Disorder. The dates in the United Kingdom were postponed due to flight restrictions, with a majority of bands deciding to withdraw, leaving Slayer and Cradle of Filth remaining for the European leg of the tour.{{cite magazine|title=Tattoo The Planet officially postponed|magazine=Kerrang!|date=October 13, 2001|url=http://www.kerrang.com/nav?page=kerrang.reviews.artist.news&fixture_news=111046&resource=111046&fixture_artist=149178|access-date=November 29, 2006}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Pantera, Static-X, Vision of Disorder and Biohazard were replaced by other bands depending on location; Amorphis, In Flames, Moonspell, Children of Bodom, and Necrodeath. Biohazard eventually decided to rejoin the tour later on, and booked new gigs in the countries where they missed dates. Drummer Bostaph left Slayer before Christmas in 2001, due to a chronic elbow injury which would hinder his ability to play.{{cite magazine|title=Slayer: Lombardo's back!|magazine=Kerrang!|date=January 3, 2002|url=http://www.kerrang.com/nav?page=kerrang.reviews.artist.news&fixture_news=111297&resource=111297&fixture_artist=149178|access-date=December 2, 2006}}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Since the band's European tour was unfinished at that time, the band's manager, Rick Sales, contacted original drummer Dave Lombardo and asked if he would like to finish the remainder of the tour.{{cite web|title=Dave Lombardo Interview |url=http://musiclegends.ca/interviews/dave-lombardo-interview/ |publisher=Music Legends |first=Jason |last=Saulnier |date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=March 24, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215171759/https://musiclegends.ca/interviews/dave-lombardo-interview/ |archive-date=February 15, 2015}} Lombardo accepted the offer, and stayed as a permanent member.

Slayer toured playing Reign in Blood in its entirety throughout the fall of 2003, under the tour banner "Still Reigning". Their playing of the final song, "Raining Blood", culminated with the band drenched in a rain of stage blood. Live footage of this was recorded at the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta, Maine, on July 11, 2004, and released on the 2004 DVD Still Reigning. The band also released War at the Warfield and a box set, Soundtrack to the Apocalypse featuring rarities, live CD and DVD performances and various Slayer merchandise. From 2002 to 2004, the band performed over 250 tour dates, headlining major music festivals including H82k2, Summer tour, Ozzfest 2004 and a European tour with Slipknot. While preparing for the Download Festival in England, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich was taken to a hospital with an unknown and mysterious illness, and was unable to perform. Metallica vocalist James Hetfield searched for volunteers at the last minute to replace Ulrich; Lombardo and Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison volunteered, with Lombardo performing the songs "Battery" and "The Four Horsemen".{{cite book|last=McIver|first=Joel|title=Justice For All – The Truth About Metallica|year=2004|publisher=Omnibus Press|isbn=1-84772-797-2|pages=Chapter 25}}

File:Dave Lombardo.jpg rejoined the band in 2001 after a nine-year hiatus, and performed on the albums Christ Illusion (2006) and World Painted Blood (2009) before departing once again in 2013.]]

The next studio album, Christ Illusion, was originally scheduled for release on June 6, 2006, and would be the first album with original drummer Lombardo since 1990's Seasons in the Abyss.{{cite web|title=Slayer's Kerry King: The Art Of Writing Songs That Nobody Else Can Write|author=Matera, Joe|publisher=UltimateGuitar.com|date=August 4, 2006|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/slayers_kerry_king_the_art_of_writing_songs_that_nobody_else_can_write.html?200608041041|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061215152912/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/slayers_kerry_king_the_art_of_writing_songs_that_nobody_else_can_write.html?200608041041|archive-date=December 15, 2006|access-date=February 22, 2007}} However, the band decided to delay the release of the record, as they did not want to be among the many, according to King, "half-ass, stupid fucking loser bands" releasing records on June 6,{{cite news|title=Slayer Recount Venom 'Pissing' incident |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 25, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=54174 |access-date=January 16, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001002727/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=54174 |archive-date=October 1, 2007 }} although USA Today reported the idea was thwarted because the band failed to secure sufficient studio recording time.{{cite news|title=Marketers hope 666 will be their lucky number|author=Petrecca, Laura|newspaper=USAToday.com|date=June 2, 2006|url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2006-05-31-omen-marketing-usat_x.htm|access-date=February 22, 2007}} Slayer released Eternal Pyre on June 6 as a limited-edition EP. Eternal Pyre featured the song "Cult", a live performance of "War Ensemble" in Germany and video footage of the band recording "Cult". Five thousand copies were released and sold exclusively through Hot Topic chain stores, selling out within hours of release.{{cite news|title=Eternal Pyre |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 17, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53810 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606172809/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53810 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=December 1, 2006 |url-status=dead }} On June 30, Nuclear Blast Records released a 7" vinyl picture disc version limited to a thousand copies.{{cite news|title=Slayer: 'Eternal Pyre' 7" Vinyl Picture-Disc Single To Be Released This Month |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 27, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53810 |access-date=February 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310174817/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53810 |archive-date=March 10, 2007 }}

Christ Illusion was eventually released on August 8, 2006, and debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200, selling over 62,000 copies in its first week.{{cite press release|title=Slayer's "Christ Illusion" Is Band's Highest-Ever Billboard Chart Debut Entering at #5|publisher=Warner Bros. Records|date=August 16, 2006|url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/slayers-christ-illusion-is-bands-highest-ever-billboard-chart-debut-entering-at-5-694088.htm|access-date=February 28, 2014|archive-date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305060305/http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/slayers-christ-illusion-is-bands-highest-ever-billboard-chart-debut-entering-at-5-694088.htm|url-status=dead}} The album became Slayer's highest charting, improving on its previous highest-charting album, Divine Intervention, which had debuted at number 8. However, despite its high positioning, the album dropped to number 44 in the following week.{{cite web|title=Metal, Rock and Alternative Music Doing Well In Billboard|publisher=Metalunderground.com|date=August 23, 2006|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=21264|access-date=November 25, 2006}} Three weeks after the album's release, Slayer were inducted into the Kerrang! Hall of Fame for their influence to the heavy metal scene.{{cite news|title=Lostprophets scoop rock honours|work=BBC News|date=August 25, 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5282780.stm|access-date=December 10, 2006}}

A worldwide tour dubbed The Unholy Alliance Tour was undertaken to support the new record. The tour was originally set to launch on June 6 in San Diego, but was postponed to June 10 as Araya had to undergo gall bladder surgery.{{cite news|title=Slayer frontman undergoes gallbladder surgery, Band Reschedule Early 'Unholy Alliance' Dates |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=May 10, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52111 |access-date=December 9, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235648/https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52111 |archive-date=September 30, 2007}} In Flames, Mastodon, Children of Bodom, Lamb of God, and Thine Eyes Bleed (featuring Araya's brother, Johnny) and Ted Maul (London Hammersmith Apollo) were supporting Slayer.{{cite web|title=Slayer's 'Unholy Alliance' tour grows |author=Zahlaway, Jon |publisher=Livedaily.com |date=March 31, 2006 |url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/Slayers_Unholy_Alliance_tour_grows-9852.html?t=1 |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060414085744/http://www.livedaily.com/news/Slayers_Unholy_Alliance_tour_grows-9852.html?t=1 |archive-date=April 14, 2006 }} The tour made its way through America and Europe and the bands who participated, apart from Thine Eyes Bleed, reunited to perform at Japan's Loudpark Festival on October 15, 2006.{{cite web|title=Loud Park 2006 Unholy Alliance Stage|publisher=Loudpark.com|date=September 4, 2006|url=http://www.loudpark.com/artist.html|access-date=December 24, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061117031716/http://www.loudpark.com/artist.html|archive-date=November 17, 2006}}

The video for the album's first single, "Eyes of the Insane", was released on October 30, 2006.{{cite web|title=Slayer release video for "Eyes Of the Insane"|publisher=Punknews.org|date=October 30, 2006|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/20607|access-date=December 2, 2006}} The track was featured on the Saw III soundtrack, and won a Grammy Award for "Best Metal Performance" at the 49th Grammy Awards, although the band was unable to attend due to touring obligations.{{cite news|title=Slayer wins Grammy in 'Best Metal Performance' Category |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 11, 2007 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66845 |access-date=February 12, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222001036/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66845 |archive-date=February 22, 2007 }} A week later, the band visited the 52nd Services Squadron located on the Spangdahlem U.S. Air Force Base in Germany to meet and play a show. This was the first visit ever to a military base for the band.{{cite news|title=Slayer To Visit U.S. Troops |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=October 31, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=61345 |access-date=November 29, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108123944/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=61345 |archive-date=January 8, 2007 }} The band made its first network TV appearance on the show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on January 19, playing the song "Eyes of the Insane", and four additional songs for fans after the show (although footage from "Jihad" was cut due to its controversial lyrical themes).{{cite news|title=Slayer on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!': 'Eyes Of The Insane' performance posted online |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=January 20, 2007 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=65652 |access-date=February 28, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001010250/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=65652 |archive-date=October 1, 2007 }}

In 2007, Slayer toured Australia and New Zealand in April with Mastodon, and appeared at the Download Festival, Rock Am Ring,{{cite news|title=Slayer, Marilyn Manson, Killswitch Engage confirmed For UK's Download Festival |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 13, 2007 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66979 |access-date=February 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310114728/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66979 |archive-date=March 10, 2007 }} and a summer tour with Marilyn Manson and Bleeding Through.{{cite news|title=Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson, Slayer Confirmed For Switzerland's Greenfield Festival |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=February 6, 2007 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66565 |access-date=February 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930230329/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66565 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}

File:Slayer Performing at Mayhem fest 2009.JPG

In 2008, Araya expressed uncertainty about the future of the band,{{cite web|url=http://www.thrashhits.com/2008/07/slayer-reign-of-fear|title=Slayer: Reign of Fear|access-date=July 18, 2008|author=McIver, Joel|author-link=Joel McIver|date=July 18, 2008|work=Interview with Tom Araya|publisher=Thrash Hits|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726073055/http://www.thrashhits.com/2008/07/slayer-reign-of-fear/|archive-date=July 26, 2008}} and that he could not see himself continuing the career at a later age. He said that once the band finished its upcoming album, which was the final record in their contract, the band would sit down and discuss its future.{{cite web|title=End of Slayer?|publisher=ultimate-guitar|date=August 7, 2007|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/the_end_of_slayer.html|access-date=August 8, 2007}} King was optimistic that the band would produce at least another two albums before considering to disband: "We're talking of going in the studio next February [2009] and getting the next record out so if we do things in a timely manner I don't see there's any reason why we can't have more than one album out."{{cite web|last=Doran|first=John|title=Slayer: We Could Thrash Out Two More Albums If We're Fast Enough|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/00661-slayer-we-could-thrash-out-two-more-albums-if-we-re-fast-enough|work=The Quietus|date=November 5, 2008|access-date=July 12, 2014}} Slayer, along with Trivium, Mastodon, and Amon Amarth, teamed up for a European tour titled 'The Unholy Alliance: Chapter III', throughout October and November 2008.{{cite news|title='The Unholy Alliance: Chapter III' UK Dates Added |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 11, 2008 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98808 |access-date=June 12, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613234640/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98808 |archive-date=June 13, 2008 }}{{cite news|title=Slayer's Tom Araya Says The Three New Songs 'Kinda Came Together |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=November 22, 2008 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=109448 |access-date=February 14, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011073441/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=109448 |archive-date=October 11, 2011 }} Slayer headlined the second Mayhem Festival in the summer of 2009. Slayer, along with Megadeth, also co-headlined Canadian Carnage, the first time they performed together in more than 15 years when they co-headlined four shows in Canada in late June 2009 with openers Machine Head and Suicide Silence.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=118898 |title=Megadeth And Slayer To Co-Headline 'Canadian Carnage' Trek |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=November 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914085526/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=118898 |archive-date=September 14, 2011 }}

The band's eleventh studio album, World Painted Blood, was released by American Recordings. It was available on November 3 in North America and November 2 for the rest of the world. The band stated that the album takes elements of all their previous works including Seasons in the Abyss, South of Heaven, and Reign in Blood.Carman, Keith [https://archive.today/20120713122401/http://exclaim.ca/articles/multiarticlesub.aspx?csid1=138&csid2=9&fid1=42058 Slayer Reign Supreme] at Exclaim! December 2009. Slayer, along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax performed on the same bill for the first time on June 16, 2010, at Bemowo Airport, in Warsaw, Poland. One of the following Big 4 performances in (Sofia, Bulgaria, June 22, 2010) was sent via satellite in HD to cinemas.{{cite magazine|author=Metallica|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957831/metallica-heading-to-cinemas|title=Metallica Heading To Cinemas|magazine=Billboard|date=September 14, 2009|access-date=November 7, 2010}} They also went on to play several other dates as part of the Sonisphere Festival. Megadeth and Slayer joined forces once again for the American Carnage Tour from July to October 2010 with opening acts Anthrax and Testament,{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-megadeth-to-perform-entire-seasons-rust-albums-on-carnage-tours/|title=Slayer, Megadeth To Perform Entire 'Seasons, 'Rust' Albums On 'Carnage' Tours|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 8, 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-megadeth-to-perform-entire-seasons-rust-albums-on-carnage-tours/|title=Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax To Join Forces For Leg Two Of 'American Carnage'|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 8, 2016}} as well as the European Carnage Tour in March and April 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=151107 |title=Slayer, Megadeth To Join Forces For 'European Carnage' Tour |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=April 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915105958/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=151107 |archive-date=September 15, 2011 }} The "Big Four" played more dates at Sonisphere in England and France for the first time ever.{{cite web|url=http://www.soundwavetouring.com|title=Soundwave Touring|publisher=Soundwave Touring|access-date=April 6, 2012|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420111522/http://www.soundwavetouring.com/|archive-date=April 20, 2012}} Slayer returned to Australia in February and March 2011 as part of the Soundwave Festival, and also played in California with the other members of the "Big Four".

In early 2011, Hanneman was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. According to the band, doctors said that it likely originated from a spider bite. Araya said of Hanneman's condition: "Jeff was seriously ill. Jeff ended up contracting a bacteria that ate away his flesh on his arm, so they cut open his arm, from his wrist to his shoulder, and they did a skin graft on him, they cleaned up ... It was a flesh-eating virus, so he was really, really bad. So we'll wait for him to get better, and when he's a hundred percent, he's gonna come out and join us."{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=164324 |title=Slayer Working On New Material |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=April 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209154304/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=164324 |archive-date=December 9, 2011 }} The band decided to play their upcoming tour dates without Hanneman.{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153855 |title=Slayer's Hanneman Contracts Acute Infection; Band To Bring In Guest Guitarist |work=Blabbermouth |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216083103/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=153855 |archive-date=February 16, 2011 }} Gary Holt of Exodus was announced as Hanneman's temporary replacement.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=154012 |title=Slayer Recruits Exodus Guitarist Gary Holt For Upcoming Tour |date=February 15, 2011 |access-date=July 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318065941/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=154012 |archive-date=March 18, 2011 }} Cannibal Corpse guitarist Pat O'Brien filled in for Holt during a tour in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://www.slayer.net/us/news/cannibal-corpses-pat-obrien-will-step-slayers-guest-guitarist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723041827/http://www.slayer.net/us/news/cannibal-corpses-pat-obrien-will-step-slayers-guest-guitarist|archive-date=2011-07-23|title=Cannibal Corpse'S Pat O'Brien Will Step In As Slayer'S Guest Guitarist | The Official Slayer Site|work=The Official Slayer Site |publisher=Slayer.net|date=May 19, 2011|access-date=July 1, 2011}} On April 23, 2011, at the American Big 4 show in Indio, California, Hanneman rejoined his bandmates to play the final two songs of their set, "South of Heaven" and "Angel of Death". This turned out to be Hanneman's final live performance with the band.{{cite web|author=Josh Hart|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/update-gary-holt-will-join-slayer-for-big-four-show.html|title=Update: Gary Holt Will Join Slayer For Big Four Show|work=Revolver|date=April 21, 2011|access-date=July 1, 2011}}

When asked if Slayer would make another album, Lombardo replied "Yes absolutely; Although there's nothing written, there are definitely plans."{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158701 |title=Slayer Drummer Says He 'Wasn't A Fan' Of Band's Albums He Didn't Play On |work=Blabbermouth.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531024729/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=158701 |archive-date=May 31, 2011}} However, Araya said Slayer would not begin writing a new album until Hanneman's condition improved.{{cite magazine|last=Graff|first=Gary|title=Slayer to 'Hold Off' on Recording While Ailing Bassist Recovers|magazine=Billboard|date=May 21, 2011|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/470949/slayer-to-hold-off-on-recording-while-ailing-guitarist-recovers|access-date=May 21, 2011}} To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Reign In Blood, the band performed all of the album's tracks at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival at the Alexandra Palace in London.{{Cite web|url=http://www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymlondon2012|access-date=2023-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217020124/http://www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymlondon2012.php |title=I'll Be Your Mirror London 2012 curated by Mogwai and ATP |website=All Tomorrow's Parties |archive-date=February 17, 2013}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymlondon2012/news/1111091500|access-date=2023-02-10|website=All Tomorrow's Parties|title=I'll Be Your Mirror London 2012 announced with co-curators Mogwai + Slayer|date=November 9, 2011|archive-date=October 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023102721/http://www.atpfestival.com/events/ibymlondon2012/news/1111091500|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=164324 |title=Slayer's 'Reign In Blood' Came Out 25 Years Ago Today |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=April 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111209154304/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=164324 |archive-date=December 9, 2011 }}

In November 2011, Lombardo posted a tweet that the band had started to write new music. This presumably meant that Hanneman's condition improved, and it was believed he was ready to enter the studio.Hart, Josh (2011-21-11). [http://www.guitarworld.com/slayer-writing-new-album "Slayer Writing New Album"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123195823/http://www.guitarworld.com/slayer-writing-new-album |date=November 23, 2011 }}. Guitar World. King had worked with Lombardo that year and they completed three songs. The band planned on entering the studio in either March or April 2012 and were hoping to have the album recorded before the group's US tour in late May and release it by the summer of that year.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.guitarworld.com/exclusive-guitarist-kerry-king-gives-update-new-slayer-album|title=Exclusive: Guitarist Kerry King Gives Update on New Slayer Album|magazine=Guitar World|date=February 20, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428062757/http://www.guitarworld.com/exclusive-guitarist-kerry-king-gives-update-new-slayer-album|archive-date=April 28, 2012|url-status=dead}} However, King said the upcoming album would not be finished until September and October of that year, making a 2013 release likely.{{cite news|url=http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=175397 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201152347/http://legacy.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=175397 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 1, 2013 |title=Slayer's Kerry King Says Two New Songs Are Fully Recorded |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=June 13, 2012 |access-date=June 13, 2012 }} In July 2012, King revealed two song titles for the upcoming album, "Chasing Death" and "Implode".{{cite web |url=http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/kerry-king-of-slayer-talks-mayhem-festival-new-music-and-looks-back-on-divine-intervention/10202236 |title=Kerry King of Slayer Talks Mayhem Festival, New Music, and Looks Back on "Divine Intervention" @ARTISTdirect |publisher=Artistdirect.com |access-date=2015-07-26 |archive-date=May 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170531065115/http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/kerry-king-of-slayer-talks-mayhem-festival-new-music-and-looks-back-on-divine-intervention/10202236 |url-status=dead }}

In February 2013, Lombardo was fired right before Slayer was to play at Australia's Soundwave festival due to an argument with band members over a pay dispute.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=447262618678275&id=124433877627819 |title=Dave Lombardo – Statement From Dave Lombardo Regarding... |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2015-07-26}} Slayer and American Recordings released a statement, saying "Mr. Lombardo came to the band less than a week before their scheduled departure for Australia to present an entirely new set of terms for his engagement that were contrary to those that had been previously agreed upon",{{cite news|title=Slayer: We Do Not Agree With Dave Lombardo's Substance Or Timeline Of Events|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=186563|access-date=February 22, 2013|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 21, 2013|archive-date=February 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225034238/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=186563|url-status=dead}} although Lombardo claimed there was a gag order in place. Dette returned to fill in for Lombardo for the Soundwave dates.{{cite web|title=Slayer to share drummer with Anthrax at Soundwave|url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/slayer-to-share-drummer-with-anthrax-at-soundwave/|work=musicfeeds.com.au|date=February 21, 2013|publisher=Musicfeeds|access-date=May 2, 2014}} It was confirmed that Lombardo was officially out of Slayer for the third time, and in May, Bostaph rejoined the band.{{cite web|title=Slayer Welcomes Drummer Paul Bostaph Back To The Fold|date=May 30, 2013|url=http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=190623|work=Blabbermouth.net|publisher=Roadrunner Records|access-date=May 30, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607175134/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=190623|url-status=dead}}

File:14-06-08 RiP Slayer Gary Holt 2.JPG guitarist Gary Holt joined Slayer in 2011, originally as a touring member, and later became an official replacement for Jeff Hanneman, who died in 2013.]]King said in February 2024 that he had severed ties with Lombardo ever since, adding that "he's dead to me."{{cite magazine |last1=Grow |first1=Kory |title=Kerry King, Armed With New Music, Is Finally Ready to Talk About Slayer |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kerry-king-slayer-idle-hands-from-hell-i-rise-1234951010/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=5 February 2024}}

On May 2, 2013, Hanneman died due to liver failure in a local hospital near his home in Southern California's Inland Empire;{{cite news|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Slayer-guitarist-Jeff-Hanneman-dies/tabid/418/articleID/296389/Default.aspx|title=Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman dies|date=May 3, 2013|publisher=3 News|access-date=May 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220629/http://www.3news.co.nz/Slayer-guitarist-Jeff-Hanneman-dies/tabid/418/articleID/296389/Default.aspx|archive-date=October 4, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1560534/slayer-guitarist-jeff-hanneman-dead-at-49|title=Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman Dead at 49|first=Gary|last=Graff|newspaper=Billboard magazine| date=May 2, 2013|access-date=May 7, 2013}} the cause of death was later determined to be alcohol-related cirrhosis.{{cite web|title=Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman: Official Cause Of Death Revealed|url=http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189736|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 9, 2013|publisher=Roadrunner Records|access-date=May 10, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607175209/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189736|url-status=dead}} King confirmed that the band would continue, saying "Jeff is going to be in everybody's thoughts for a long time. It's unfortunate you can't keep unfortunate things from happening. But we're going to carry on – and he'll be there in spirit."{{cite web|url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/slayer-will-carry-on-for-jeff-hanneman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621012452/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/slayer-will-carry-on-for-jeff-hanneman|archive-date=2013-06-21|title=Slayer will carry on for Hanneman|first=Martin|last=Kielty|publisher=Classic Rock Magazine|access-date=June 19, 2013}} However, Araya felt more uncertain about the band's future, expressing his belief that "After 30 years [with Hanneman active in the band], it would literally be like starting over", and doubting that Slayer's fanbase would approve such a change.{{cite web|title=Slayer's King: 'I Don't Think We Should Throw In The Towel Just Because Jeff's Not Here'|url=http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=191655|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 23, 2013|publisher=Roadrunner Records|access-date=June 23, 2013|archive-date=June 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626223507/http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=191655|url-status=dead}} Despite the uncertainty regarding the band's future, Slayer still worked on a followup to World Painted Blood. Additionally, it was reported that the new album would still feature material written by Hanneman.{{cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham "Gruhamed"|title=Exclusive: Slayer Hope to Unveil Never-Before-Heard Jeff Hanneman Material on Next Album|url=http://loudwire.com/exclusive-slayer-never-before-heard-jeff-hanneman-material-next-album/|work=Loudwire.com|date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=October 13, 2013}}

At the 2014 Revolver{{'}}s Golden Gods Awards ceremony, Slayer debuted "Implode", its first new song in five years. The group announced that they had signed with Nuclear Blast and planned to release a new album in 2015.{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|title=Slayer Debut New Song 'Implode' During Surprise Golden Gods Appearance|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/slayer-debut-new-song-implode-during-surprise-golden-gods-appearance-20140424|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 24, 2014|access-date=May 2, 2014|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912192219/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/slayer-debut-new-song-implode-during-surprise-golden-gods-appearance-20140424|url-status=dead}} It was reported that Holt would take over Hanneman's guitar duties full-time,{{Cite news|date=2015-09-07|title=Pop and Jazz Listings and Albums for the Fall Season|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/arts/music/pop-and-jazz-listings-and-albums-for-the-fall-season.html|access-date=2023-02-10|issn=0362-4331}} although Holt did not participate in the songwriting.{{cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Slayer's Kerry King: Gary Holt Writing on Next Album Is 'Like Throwing Somebody to the Wolves'|url=http://loudwire.com/slayer-kerry-king-gary-holt-next-album/|work=Loudwire|date=October 31, 2013|access-date=July 12, 2014}} In February, Slayer announced a seventeen-date American tour to start in June featuring Suicidal Tendencies and Exodus.{{cite web|last=Sharp|first=Tyler|title=Slayer announce fall U.S. headlining tour with Suicidal Tendencies and Exodus|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/slayer_announce_fall_u.s._headlining_tour_with_suicidal_tendencies_and_exod|work=Alternative Press|date=June 23, 2014|access-date=July 12, 2014}} In 2015, Slayer headlined the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival for the second time.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/16/3744441_mayhem-festival-announces-line.html?rh=1 |title=Mayhem Festival announces line-up for White River stop |date=April 16, 2015 |access-date=April 18, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419051241/http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/04/16/3744441_mayhem-festival-announces-line.html?rh=1 |archive-date=April 19, 2015 }} Repentless, the band's twelfth studio album, was released on September 11, 2015.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/VMR7qx3XjxI Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20150523232705/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMR7qx3XjxI&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMR7qx3XjxI |title=Slayer Announcement |date=May 22, 2015 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2015-07-26}}{{cbignore}} Slayer toured for {{frac|2|1|2}} years in support of Repentless. The band toured Europe with Anthrax and Kvelertak in October and November 2015,{{cite web|title=Slayer And Anthrax To Join Forces For European Tour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-and-anthrax-to-join-forces-for-european-tour/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 26, 2015|access-date=December 3, 2015}} and embarked on three North American tours: one with Testament and Carcass in February and March 2016,{{cite web|title=Slayer, Testament, Carcass: North American Tour Dates Officially Announced|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-testament-carcass-north-american-tour-dates-officially-announced/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 3, 2015|access-date=December 3, 2015}} then with Anthrax and Death Angel in September and October 2016,{{cite web|title=Slayer To Tour North America With Anthrax, Death Angel|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-to-tour-north-america-with-anthrax-death-angel/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 9, 2016|access-date=May 19, 2017}} and with Lamb of God and Behemoth in July and August 2017.{{cite web|title=Slayer, Lamb Of God And Behemoth: North American Tour Announced|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-lamb-of-god-and-behemoth-north-american-tour-announced/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 28, 2017|access-date=January 12, 2018}} A lone date in Southeast Asia in 2017 was held in the Philippines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_gkTg-a1rTBJQblRgbCz_4f73KpgBc40|title=Slayer 2017 Manila [DOLBY] – YouTube|website=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2017-10-12}}

In August 2016, King was asked if Slayer would release a follow-up to Repentless. He replied, "We've got lots of leftover material from the last album, 'cause we wrote so much stuff, and we recorded a bunch of it too. If the lyrics don't change the song musically, those songs are done. So we are way ahead of the ballgame without even doing anything for the next record. And I've been working on stuff on my downtime. Like, I'll warm up and a riff will come to mind and I'll record it. I've gotten a handful of those on this run. So wheels are still turning. I haven't worked on anything lyrically yet except for what was done on the last record, so that's something I've gotta get on. But, yeah, Repentless isn't quite a year old yet." King also stated that Slayer was not expected to enter the studio until at least 2018.{{cite web|title=SLAYER Won't Record Follow-Up To 'Repentless' Before 2018|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-wont-record-follow-up-to-repentless-before-2018/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 14, 2016|access-date=August 15, 2016}} In an October interview on Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta's podcast, King stated that he was "completely open" to having guitarist Gary Holt (who had no songwriting contributions on Repentless) involved in the songwriting process of the next Slayer album. He explained, "I'm entirely open to having Gary work on something. I know he's gotta work on an Exodus record and I've got tons already for this one. But, you know, if he's gonna stick around... I didn't want it on the last one, and I knew that. I'm completely open to having that conversation. I haven't talked to Tom about it, I haven't talked to Gary open about it, but I'm open. That's not saying it is or isn't gonna happen. But my ears are open."{{cite web|title=KERRY KING Is 'Completely Open' To Having GARY HOLT Contribute Song Ideas To Next SLAYER Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-is-completely-open-to-having-gary-holt-contribute-song-ideas-to-next-slayer-album/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 15, 2016|access-date=February 18, 2017}}

In a June 2017 interview with the Ultimate Guitar Archive, Holt said that he was ready to contribute with the songwriting for the next album.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gary-holt-is-ready-to-write-music-for-slayer/|title=GARY HOLT Is 'Ready' To Write Music For SLAYER|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=June 15, 2017}} When speaking to Revolver, King was asked if there were any plans in place for the band to begin working on the album, he said, "Funny thing is, Repentless isn't even two years old yet, though it seems like it is. But from that session, there are six or eight songs that are recorded—some with vocals, some with leads, but all with keeper guitar, drums and bass. So when those songs get finished lyrically, if the lyrics don't change the songs, they'll be ready to be on the next record. So we already have more than half a record complete, if those songs make it." He also gave conceivable consideration that it could be released next year, "I'm certainly not gonna promise it, because every time I do, I make a liar of myself! [Laughs]"{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-says-its-conceivable-that-slayer-could-release-new-album-in-2018/|title=KERRY KING Says It's 'Conceivable' That SLAYER Could Release New Album In 2018|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 10, 2017}} When asked about any plans or the timeline the band would like to release the album, King said, "It depends on touring—getting time to rehearse, getting time to make up new stuff. We haven't even done Australia on this run yet at all. We're hitting Japan finally later this year. But if things go well, I'd like to record next year. But timelines change all the time."{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-would-like-to-record-next-slayer-album-in-2018/|title=KERRY KING Would Like To Record Next SLAYER Album In 2018|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=August 21, 2017}} In an October 2017 interview, Holt once again expressed his desire to contribute to the songwriting for the next Slayer album, saying, "When that time comes and we are ready for the next album, if Kerry wants me to contribute, I've got riffs. I've got stuff right now that I've written that I am not using for Exodus, because it was kind of maybe just unintentional subconscious thing, like, 'It sounds a little too Slayer.{{'"}}{{cite web|title=Gary Holt: What's the Difference Between Exodus & Slayer in Songwriting Terms|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/gary_holt_whats_the_difference_between_exodus__slayer_in_songwriting_terms.html|work=Ultimate-Guitar.com|date=October 12, 2016|access-date=October 13, 2017}}

Plans for a new album were ultimately scrapped when on January 22, 2018, Slayer announced their farewell world tour through a video featuring a montage of press clippings, early posters and press photos spanning the band's entire career. Although the members of Slayer have never publicly explained why they were retiring, it was thought that one of the reasons behind this decision was Tom Araya's desire not to tour anymore and to spend more time with his family; Araya hinted at the possibility of retiring in a 2016 interview.{{cite web|last1=Hill|first1=John|title=BREAKING NEWS: Slayer Announce Farewell Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/breaking-news-slayer-announce-farewell-tour/|website=Loudwire|access-date=January 22, 2018|date=January 22, 2018}} This was confirmed by former drummer Dave Lombardo in a 2019 interview, who said: "Apparently, from what I hear. Tom has been wanting to retire when I was in the band—he wanted to stop. He had the neck issues. He's been wanting to retire for a long time now. So now that he's got it, I'm happy for him, and I hope he gets what he wants out of life and his future."{{cite web |last1=Kennelty |first1=Greg |title=Dave Lombardo Says SLAYER's Tom Araya Has Wanted To Retire Since Dave Was In The Band |url=https://metalinjection.net/shocking-revelations/dave-lombardo-says-slayers-tom-araya-has-wanted-to-retire-since-dave-was-in-the-band |website=Metal Injection |date=September 19, 2019 |access-date=3 May 2021}}

The farewell tour began with a North American trek in May and June 2018, supported by Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth and Testament.{{cite web|last1=Hartmann|first1=Graham|title=Slayer Recruit Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth + Testament for Final Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/slayer-lamb-of-god-anthrax-behemoth-testament-final-tour/|website=Loudwire|access-date=January 22, 2018|date=January 22, 2018}} The second leg of the North American tour took place in July and August, with Napalm Death replacing Behemoth,{{cite web|title=SLAYER Announces Second North American Leg Of 'Final' Tour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-second-north-american-leg-of-final-tour/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2018}} followed in November and December by a European tour with Lamb of God, Anthrax and Obituary.{{cite web|title=SLAYER To Tour Europe With LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX And OBITUARY|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-to-tour-europe-with-lamb-of-god-anthrax-and-obituary/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 8, 2018|access-date=May 8, 2018}}{{cite web|title=SLAYER Announces Final European Tour With LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX And OBITUARY|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-final-european-tour-with-lamb-of-god-anthrax-and-obituary/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=May 11, 2018|access-date=May 14, 2018}} The farewell tour continued into 2019, with plans to visit places such as South America, Australia and Japan; in addition to European festivals such as Hellfest and Graspop.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayers-final-world-tour-will-extend-into-2019/|title=SLAYER's Final World Tour Will Extend Into 2019|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 27, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018}}{{cite web|title=SLAYER To Play 'Last French Show Ever' At Next Year's HELLFEST|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-to-play-last-french-show-ever-at-next-years-hellfest/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 25, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2018}} The band toured the United States in May 2019 with Lamb of God, Amon Amarth and Cannibal Corpse.{{cite news|title=SLAYER Announces North American Tour With LAMB OF GOD, AMON AMARTH, CANNIBAL CORPSE; BLABBERMOUTH.NET Presale|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-north-american-tour-with-lamb-of-god-amon-amarth-cannibal-corpse-blabbermouth-net-presale/|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 13, 2018|date=December 10, 2018}} Slayer also played one show in Mexico at Force Fest in October 2018.{{cite web|title=Slayer y su despedida en el Force Fest 2018|url=http://gritaradio.com/slayer-y-su-despedida-en-el-force-fest-2018/|work=gritaradio.com|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223218/http://gritaradio.com/slayer-y-su-despedida-en-el-force-fest-2018/|archive-date=August 21, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/slayer_system_of_a_down_alice_in_chains_lamb_of_god_anthrax_testament_exodus_danzig_etc_on_the_bill_for_mexicos_forcefest.html|title=Slayer, System Of A Down, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Testament, Exodus, Danzig, Etc. on the Bill for Mexico's ForceFest|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar.com|date=August 16, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2018}}

On December 2, 2018, Holt announced that he would not perform the remainder of the band's European tour to be with his dying father. Vio-lence and former Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel would fill in for him as a result.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gary-holt-to-miss-rest-of-slayer-european-tour-ex-machine-head-guitarist-phil-demmel-to-step-in/|title=GARY HOLT To Miss Rest Of SLAYER European Tour; Ex-MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL To Step In|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 2, 2018}}{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-machine-head-guitarist-phil-demmel-its-beyond-my-utmost-honor-to-fill-in-for-gary-holt-on-slayer-tour/|title=Ex-MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL: 'It's Beyond My Utmost Honor' To Fill In For GARY HOLT On SLAYER Tour|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 3, 2018}}{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-performs-with-ex-machine-head-guitarist-phil-demmel-for-first-time-video/|title=SLAYER Performs With Ex-MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL For First Time (Video)|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=December 3, 2018}}

Holt had stated that Slayer would not release a new album before the end of the farewell tour.{{cite web|title=Will There Be A New SLAYER Studio Album? 'I'd Say It's A No,' Says GARY HOLT|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/will-there-be-a-new-slayer-studio-album-id-say-its-a-no-says-gary-holt/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=January 26, 2018}} On how long the tour would last, Holt's Exodus bandmate Steve "Zetro" Souza commented, "I'm speculating it's gonna take a year and a half or two years to do the one final thing, but I believe it's finished. Everybody knows what I know; just because I'm on the outside, I have no insight on that."{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/no-new-exodus-album-until-end-of-2019-at-the-earliest/|title=No New EXODUS Album Until End Of 2019 At The Earliest|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 22, 2018|access-date=February 9, 2019}} The final North American leg of the tour, dubbed "The Last Campaign", took place in November 2019, and also included support from Primus, Ministry and Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-the-final-campaign-tour-dates-with-primus-ministry-and-philip-h-anselmo-the-illegals/|title=SLAYER Announces 'The Final Campaign' Tour Dates With PRIMUS, MINISTRY And PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 9, 2019|access-date=July 9, 2019}} Despite being referred to as a farewell tour for Slayer, their manager Rick Sales has stated that "the band is not breaking up, they made a decision to stop touring. That doesn't mean the end of the band. It’s just the end of touring".{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2019/11/massachusetts-born-slayer-manager-finds-end-bittersweet.html|title=Massachusetts-born Slayer manager Rick Sales finds end bittersweet|publisher=masslive.com|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019}} Kristen Mulderig, who works with Rick Sales Entertainment Group, has also been quoted as saying that there would be Slayer-related activities following the tour's conclusion.{{cite web|url=https://www.pollstar.com/article/farewell-slayer-thrash-pioneers-to-reign-in-blood-forever-141203|title=Farewell Slayer: Thrash Pioneers To Reign In Blood Forever|publisher=Pollstar|date=October 1, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019}} However, within two days after the tour's completion, King's wife Ayesha stated on her Instagram page that there is "not a chance in hell" that Slayer would ever reunite to perform more shows or release new music.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/there-is-not-a-chance-in-hell-slayer-will-ever-reunite-says-kerry-kings-wife/|title=There Is 'Not A Chance In Hell' SLAYER Will Ever Reunite, Says KERRY KING's Wife|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 2, 2019|access-date=December 2, 2019}}

In March 2020, when talking to Guitar World about his then-latest endorsement with Dean Guitars, King hinted that he would continue to make music outside of Slayer, simply saying, "Dean didn't sign me for nothing!"{{cite magazine|last1=Angle |first1=Brad |title=Tune-Ups: Born of Fire |magazine=Guitar World |date=March 2020 |page=20}} King stated in an August 2020 interview on the Dean Guitars YouTube channel that he had "more than two records' worth of music" for his yet-to-be disclosed new project.{{cite web|title=SLAYER's KERRY KING Has 'More Than Two Records' Worth Of Music' For His Next Project|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayers-kerry-king-has-more-than-two-records-worth-of-music-for-his-next-project/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 25, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020}} Bostaph later confirmed that he and King were working on a new project that would "sound like Slayer without it being Slayer—but not intentionally so."{{cite web|title=PAUL BOSTAPH Says His New Project With KERRY KING 'Will Sound Like SLAYER Without It Being SLAYER'|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/paul-bostaph-says-his-new-project-with-kerry-king-will-sound-like-slayer-without-it-being-slayer/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 27, 2020|access-date=September 1, 2020}} This project was later revealed to be King's solo debut album, From Hell I Rise, released on May 17, 2024, and the lineup of the album includes King, Bostaph, Death Angel vocalist Mark Osegueda, Hellyeah bassist Kyle Sanders, and former Vio-lence and Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-guitarist-kerry-king-hints-at-2024-debut-of-his-new-project|title=SLAYER Guitarist KERRY KING Hints At 2024 Debut Of His New Project|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 8, 2023|date=November 6, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/motley-crue-slipknot-judas-priest-and-kerry-king-among-confirmed-acts-for-welcome-to-rockville-2024|title=MÖTLEY CRÜE, SLIPKNOT, JUDAS PRIEST And KERRY KING Among Confirmed Acts For WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE 2024|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 8, 2023|date=November 8, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-announces-lineup-of-solo-band-shares-first-single-idle-hands|title=KERRY KING Announces Lineup Of Solo Band, Shares First Single 'Idle Hands'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 5, 2024|date=February 5, 2024}}

In addition to King and Bostaph, most of the other members of Slayer have remained musically active. Holt continues to record and perform with Exodus, releasing a new album, Persona Non Grata, in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/exodus-persona-non-grata-album-details-revealed-the-beatings-will-continue-single-now-available/|title=EXODUS: 'Persona Non Grata' Album Details Revealed; 'The Beatings Will Continue' Single Now Available|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=March 6, 2022|date=August 21, 2021}} Lombardo has been involved with various acts since his third split with Slayer in 2013, such as Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Cross, the Misfits, Mr. Bungle and Testament, the latter of which he had previously served as the drummer for the band's 1999 album The Gathering and rejoined in March 2022,{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/testament-rejoined-by-drummer-dave-lombardo/|title=TESTAMENT Rejoined By Drummer DAVE LOMBARDO|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=March 6, 2022|date=March 1, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-lombardo-says-it-felt-like-the-right-moment-for-him-to-return-to-testament/|title=DAVE LOMBARDO Says 'It Felt Like The Right Moment' For Him To Return To TESTAMENT|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=March 6, 2022|date=March 2, 2022}} only to leave again in the following April.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/dave-lombardo-to-sit-out-testaments-2023-shows-says-future-with-the-band-is-uncertain|title=DAVE LOMBARDO To Sit Out TESTAMENT's 2023 Shows, Says Future With The Band Is Uncertain|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 6, 2024|date=April 13, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/testaments-eric-peterson-says-new-drummer-chris-dovas-will-make-the-band-heavier-and-more-precise-than-before|title=TESTAMENT's ERIC PETERSON Says New Drummer CHRIS DOVAS Will Make The Band 'Heavier And More Precise Than Before'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 6, 2024|date=April 17, 2023}} Jon Dette has been a member of at least two bands, Animetal USA and Meshiaak,{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bassist-rudy-sarzo-creation-animetal-usa/|title=Bassist Rudy Sarzo Discusses the Creation of Animetal USA|website=UltimateClassicRock.com|access-date=March 6, 2022|date=August 26, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/bassist-rudy-sarzo-creation-animetal-usa/|title=Australian band MESHIAKK announce release of second album "Mask Of All Misery"|website=Metal-Rules.com|access-date=March 6, 2022|date=November 7, 2019}} and performed with Anthrax and Volbeat as a fill-in drummer.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/anthrax-drum-cam-footage-of-jon-dette-peforming-be-all-end-all-in-2018/|title=Anthrax: Drum-Cam Footage of Jon Detter Performing 'Be All, End All' In 2018|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=March 6, 2022|date=September 24, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/volbeat-frontman-says-ex-slayer-drummer-jon-dette-did-very-well-filling-in-for-jon-larsen/|title=VOLBEAT Frontman Says Ex-SLAYER Drummer JON DETTE 'Did Very Well' Filling In For JON LARSEN|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=March 6, 2022|date=March 3, 2022}} Araya, aside from an appearance in the Bay Area thrash metal documentary film Murder in the Front Row, had not been publicly active in the music industry nor given any interviews between the conclusion of Slayer's final tour and the band's 2024 reunion.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}

The members of Slayer had expressed mixed opinions about a reunion. When asked by the Let There Be Talk podcast in June 2020 about the possibility of the band ever reforming, Holt stated, "If it does, if it ever happens, it has nothing to do with me. Someone else would call and say, 'We wanna [do this].' To my knowledge, it's done. And I think it should be that way. The band went out fucking on a bang, went out on Slayer's terms, and how many people get to say they did that?".{{cite web|title=GARY HOLT On Whether SLAYER Will Ever Reunite: 'To My Knowledge, It's Done'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gary-holt-on-whether-slayer-will-ever-reunite-to-my-knowledge-its-done/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 8, 2020|access-date=June 8, 2020}} Holt stated in March 2021 that he was open to a potential Slayer reunion, but it was unlikely to happen in the near future: "Look, if the powers that be ever—like, in a year or something—said, 'Hey, you know what? We feel like playing some shows,' I'm there to do it. But those aren't decisions for me to make, or even me to really speculate on. As far as my knowledge, the band is over, and the final show was November 30, 2019. And I'm full speed ahead with Exodus now."{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/will-slayer-ever-reunite-for-a-show-or-tour-gary-holt-responds/|title=Will SLAYER Ever Reunite For A Show Or Tour? GARY HOLT Responds|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=March 7, 2021|date=March 7, 2021}} In October 2021, King expressed regret that Slayer had retired "too early." While congratulating Machine Head on their 30th anniversary as a band, he said, "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. Fuck me. I hate fucking not playing."{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-slayer-retired-too-early/|title=KERRY KING: SLAYER Retired 'Too Early'|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 15, 2021|date=October 12, 2021}} When interviewed two months later by Metal Hammer, King did not rule out the possibility of any more "Big Four" shows with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax, but expressed doubt that a Slayer reunion would ever happen: "The way that I'm moving forward is I don't think Slayer are ever going to play again. There's no business of me playing by myself!"{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/slayers-kerry-king-dave-mustaine-helped-metallica-become-what-metallica-is|title=Slayer's Kerry King: "Dave Mustaine helped Metallica become what Metallica is"|website=loudersound.com|access-date=December 17, 2021|date=December 15, 2021}} King's wife Ayesha had also ruled out the possibility of a Slayer reunion, insisting that her husband and Araya would "never be Slayer again".{{cite web|title=TOM ARAYA And KERRY KING 'Will Never Be SLAYER Again'|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/tom-araya-and-kerry-king-will-never-be-slayer-again/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 28, 2020|access-date=September 1, 2020}} In a February 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, King clarified that a reunion of the band was unlikely: "Could Slayer play a show again? I'm sure there's a scenario. Am I looking for it? No, I'm just getting ready to start my career. So if that happens, it happens. But I'm going to be doing this [solo band] for the next 10 years at least." King revealed in the same interview that he has not spoken to Araya since the band's split. King also says that his relationship with Araya is positive, but his relationship with that of former drummer Dave Lombardo is estranged, stating that Lombardo "was listening to this woman that was his attorney at the time, and she thought we had Metallica money, which we've never had fucking Metallica money. So she's just blowing shit in his ear, and he thinks he should be getting more than he should be getting."

A few weeks after King said he did not foresee a Slayer reunion, the band announced on February 21, 2024 that they would play their first show since disbanding at Riot Fest on September 22, and play their second show five days later at Louder Than Life.{{cite web |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-slayer-returns-to-live-stage-for-first-time-in-five-years |title=Watch: Slayer Returns To Live Stage For First Time In Five Years |work=Blabbermouth |date=September 23, 2024 |access-date=February 7, 2025}} However, due to weather conditions caused by Hurricane Helene, Louder Than Life canceled their September 27 shows, which included Slayer in the lineup.{{Cite web |last=Glowicki |first=Kirby Adams and Matthew |title=Louder Than Life cancels Friday shows due to high winds, weather. What we know |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/09/27/louder-than-life-cancels-friday-shows-due-to-weather/75410696007/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}} The lineup of this reunion was the 2013–2019 lineup of bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, guitarists Kerry King and Gary Holt and drummer Paul Bostaph.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/slayer-reuniting-2024-louder-life-and-riot-fest|title=Slayer reuniting for 2024 Louder Than Life and Riot Fest|magazine=Revolver|access-date=February 21, 2024|date=February 21, 2024}} They also headlined the first of four nights of the Aftershock Festival in Sacramento on October 10, 2024,{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/slayer-pantera-iron-maiden-judas-priest-motley-crue-slipknot-and-more-confirmed-for-aftershock-2024|title=Slayer, Pantera, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, Slipknot And More Confirmed For Aftershock 2024|magazine=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|access-date=February 28, 2024|date=February 28, 2024}} and while announcing this show, the band said in a statement, "There's been a lot of excited fans out there about our playing a couple of festival dates, so it's great to be able to add this last one."{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/slayer-reveal-one-final-u-s-festival-date-headlining-aftershock-2024|title=Slayer reveal one final U.S. festival date, headlining Aftershock 2024|magazine=Kerrang!|access-date=February 29, 2024|date=February 29, 2024}}

In an interview with Metal Hammer, King indicated that the planned shows were a one-off and that the reunion was "not going to translate into recording and it's not going to translate into touring", clarifying that "it's three shows marking five years since our final shows, a fun, 'Hey, remember us from before the pandemic?' celebration."{{cite magazine |last=Brannigan |first=Paul |date=June 2024 |title=Return of the King |magazine=Metal Hammer }} In a May 2024 interview on Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk, King said that while he would not rule out more Slayer shows in the future, his solo career is his main priority now.{{cite web | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-slayer-is-not-gonna-make-another-record-or-tour-again | title=Kerry King: 'Slayer is Not Gonna Make Another Record' or 'Tour Again' | date=May 16, 2024 }} When asked in an October 2024 interview with 107.7 The Bone if more reunion shows were in the works, Bostaph said, "We played our last one… If everybody's asking that question, I am too, but I don't have the answer to that question. So, yeah, Aftershock was the last one."{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/paul-bostaph-reflects-on-slayers-two-reunion-shows-the-fans-were-hungry-for-it-and-that-made-it-special|title=Paul Bostaph Reflects On Slayer's Two Reunion Shows: The Fans 'Were Hungry For It, And That Made It Special'|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 16, 2024|date=October 16, 2024}} Two weeks later, it was announced that the band would be playing at the 2025 edition of Louder Than Life.{{Cite news |last=Suckow |first=Alex |date=October 30, 2024 |title=Slayer to headline 2025 Louder Than Life after weather canceled this year's set |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/slayer-2025-louder-than-life-louisville/62763554 |access-date=October 30, 2024 |work=WLKY News and Weather}}

Slayer will play its first shows in the UK in six years in July. In addition to two headlining shows there, the band will appear at Villa Park on July 5, 2025 as one of the supporting acts for Black Sabbath's final concert, dubbed "Back to the Beginning". Slayer will also perform their first show in Canada in six years at FEQ Music Festival in Quebec City on July 11, 2025.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/original-black-sabbath-to-play-final-show-in-july-with-metallica-slayer-pantera-others-supporting|title=Original Black Sabbath To Play Final Show In July, With Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Others Supporting|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 5, 2025|date=February 5, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-more-2025-u-k-shows-comments-on-back-to-the-beginning-event|title=Slayer Announces More 2025 U.K. Shows, Comments On 'Back To The Beginning' Event|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=March 4, 2025|date=March 4, 2025}} Two days after their appearance at the Louder Than Life festival, the band will play a one-off headlining US show at the Hersheypark Stadium on September 20, with Knocked Loose, Suicidal Tendencies, Power Trip, Cavalera and Exodus as supporting acts.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-massive-u-s-east-coast-headline-show-with-exodus-suidical-tendencies-cavalera-others|title=Slayer Announces Massive U.S. East Coast Headline Show With Exodus, Suicidal Tendencies, Cavalera, Others|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=April 7, 2025|date=April 7, 2025}}

File:Slayerunholy.jpg

Slayer is generally considered a thrash metal band.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/may/08/rocks-backpages-slayer-interview-1987 |title=Slayer: 'We read a lot from the Satanic bible' – a classic interview from the vaults |work=The Guardian |last=Witter |first=Simon |date=May 8, 2013 |access-date=September 21, 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/20/AR2007022001368.html |title=Slayer's Metal Conducts Heat – and a Little Warmth, Too |newspaper=The Washington Post |last=Porter |first=Christopher |date=February 21, 2007}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/best-slayer-albums-1753087 |title=Best Slayer Albums |publisher=ThoughtCo |last=Marsicano |first=Dan |access-date=September 21, 2017}} In an article from December 1986 by the Washington Post, writer Joe Brown described Slayer as speed metal, a genre he defined as "an unholy hybrid of punk rock thrash and heavy metal that attracts an almost all-male teen-age following".{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1986/12/06/slayers-morbid-schlock/492d2a71-17c2-4047-a728-365fa9e29201/ |title=Slayer's Morbid Schlock |newspaper=The Washington Post |last=Brown |first=Joe |date=December 6, 1986 |access-date=September 21, 2017}} Describing Slayer's music, Brown wrote: "Over a jackhammer beat, Slayer's stun guitars created scraping sheets of corrosive metal noise, with occasional solos that sounded like squealing brakes, over which the singer-bassist emitted a larynx-lacerating growl-yowl." In an article from September 1988 by the New York Times, writer Jon Pareles also described Slayer as speed metal, additionally writing that the band "brings the sensational imagery of tabloids and horror movies" and has lyrics that "revel in death, gore and allusions to Satanism and Nazism."{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/09/03/arts/review-rock-for-slayer-the-mania-is-the-message.html |title=For Slayer, the Mania Is the Message |work=The New York Times |date=September 3, 1988 |last=Pareles |first=Jon |access-date=September 21, 2017}} Pareles also described other "Big Four" thrash metal bands Metallica and Megadeth as speed metal bands. Slayer's early works were praised for their "breakneck speed and instrumental prowess", combining the structure of hardcore punk tempos and speed metal. The band released fast, aggressive material that was characterized as having a "primitive" sound.https://www.ocweekly.com/top-20-metal-musicians-well-mourn-forever-8103933/ The album Reign in Blood is the band's fastest, performed at an average of 220 beats per minute; the album Diabolus in Musica was the band's first to feature C{{music|sharp}} tuning; God Hates Us All was the first to feature drop B tuning and seven-string guitars tuned to B{{music|flat}}.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}} AllMusic cited the album as "abandoning the extravagances and accessibility of their late-'80s/early-'90s work and returning to perfect the raw approach",{{cite web|title=Slayer – God Hates us all|author=Birchmeier, Jason|website=AllMusic|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r541496|pure_url=yes}}|access-date=January 18, 2006}} with some fans labeling it as nu metal.{{cite web|title=Paul Bostaph of Exodus, ex-Slayer|author=Syrjälä, Marko|publisher=Metal-Rules.com|date=February 5, 2007|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=797&Itemid=60|access-date=March 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017032418/http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=797&Itemid=60|archive-date=October 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}

King and Hanneman's dual guitar solos have been referred to as "wildly chaotic", and "twisted genius".{{cite web|title=Slayer – Reign in Blood |author=Horatio |publisher=Kickedintheface.com |url=http://www.kickedintheface.com/reviews/Slayer-Reign_In_Blood.htm |access-date=January 18, 2006 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206170615/http://www.kickedintheface.com/reviews/Slayer-Reign_In_Blood.htm |archive-date=February 6, 2010 }} Invisible Oranges observed, "It’s fun to watch these guys live and see their virtually identical soloing styles. Jeff Hanneman, with atonal runs going up and down the neck, finished with a whammy bar dump! Kerry King, with atonal runs going up and down the neck, finished with a whammy bar dump! These guys were made to be in a band together – because they would sound terrible in any other band."{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Invisible Oranges |title=Top 10 Metal Twin Axe Attacks |url=https://www.invisibleoranges.com/top-10-metal-twin-axe-attacks/ |access-date=2025-03-22 |website=Invisible Oranges - The Metal Blog |language=en-US}} Original drummer Lombardo would use two kick drums instead of a double pedal on a single drum. Lombardo's speed and aggression earned him the title of the "godfather of double bass" by Drummerworld.{{cite web|title=Dave Lombardo|publisher=Drummerworld.com|url=http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Dave_Lombardo.html|access-date =January 30, 2007}} Lombardo stated his reasons for using two bass drums: "When you hit the bass drum, the head is still resonating. When you hit it in the same place right after that, you kinda get a 'slapback' from the bass drum head hitting the other pedal. You're not letting them breathe." When playing the two kick drums, Lombardo would use the "heel-up" technique.Dave Lombardo Modern Drummer Festival 2000

In the original lineup, King, Hanneman and Araya contributed to the band's lyrics, and King and Hanneman wrote the music with additional arrangement from Lombardo, and sometimes Araya. Araya formed a lyric writing partnership with Hanneman, which sometimes overshadowed the creative input of King. Hanneman stated that writing lyrics and music was a "free-for-all": "It's all just whoever comes up with what. Sometimes I'll be more on a roll and I'll have more stuff, same with Kerry – it's whoever's hot, really. Anybody can write anything; if it's good, we use it; if not, we don't."{{cite web |author=Davis |first=Brian |date=July 26, 2004 |title=Exclusive! Interview With Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman |url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3153 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928010337/http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3153 |archive-date=September 28, 2007 |access-date=December 13, 2006 |website=Knac.com |publisher=}}

When writing material, the band would write the music first before incorporating lyrics. King or Hanneman used a 24-track and drum machine to show band members the riff that they created, and to get their opinion. Either King, Hanneman or Lombardo would mention if any alterations could be made. The band played the riff to get the basic song structure, then figured out where the lyrics and solos would be placed.

Some of the band's influences include hardcore punk bands such as Minor Threat, TSOL, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, and Germs.

File:DaveLombardo.jpg.]]

Slayer is one of the most influential bands in heavy metal history. Steve Huey of AllMusic believes the musical style of Slayer makes the band stronger than the other members of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax, all of which rose to fame during the 1980s.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Cosmo|title=Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/movie_review/get-thrashed-the-story-of-thrash-metal.htm|work=Stylus Magazine|date=May 7, 2007|access-date=December 16, 2008|archive-date=December 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225230004/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/movie_review/get-thrashed-the-story-of-thrash-metal.htm|url-status=dead}} MTV stated that Slayer's "downtuned rhythms, infectious guitar licks, graphically violent lyrics and grisly artwork set the standard for dozens of emerging thrash bands" and their "music was directly responsible for the rise of death metal", ranking Slayer as the sixth greatest metal band of all time.{{cite web|title=Why They Rule – #6 Slayer |publisher=MTV |url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index7.jhtml |access-date=January 18, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718224746/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index7.jhtml |archive-date=July 18, 2006 }} VH1 ranked them 50th on their 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock list.{{cite web|title=The Greatest: 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock|publisher=VH1.com|url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62186/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/shows/dynamic/includes/wildcards/the_greatest/hardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862767&start=41|access-date=March 19, 2007|archive-date=June 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615075735/http://www.vh1.com/shows/the_greatest/series.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Hanneman and King ranked number 10 in Guitar World{{'}}s "100 greatest metal guitarists of all time" in 2004,{{cite news|title=Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=January 23, 2004 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18446 |access-date=January 18, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902145402/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18446 |archive-date=September 2, 2011 }} and were voted "Best Guitarist/Guitar Team" in Revolver's reader's poll. Lombardo was also voted "Best Drummer", and the band entered the top five in the categories "Best Band Ever", "Best Live Band", "Album of the Year" (for Christ Illusion) and "Band of the Year".{{cite news|title=The fans have spoken: Slayer comes out on top in readers' polls |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=March 1, 2007 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=68001 |access-date=March 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235258/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=68001 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }}

Music author Joel McIver considers Slayer very influential in the extreme metal scene, especially in the development of the death metal and black metal subgenres.Joel McIver, The Bloody Reign of Slayer, Omnibus Press, 2009 According to John Consterdine of Terrorizer, without "Slayer's influence, extreme metal as we know it wouldn't exist."{{cite web|url=http://www.terrorizer.com/news/news-news/slayer-guitarist-jeff-hanneman-dies|title=Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman dies aged 49|publisher=terrorizer.com|date=May 3, 2013|access-date=July 17, 2013}} Kam Lee of Massacre and former member of Death stated: "there wouldn't be death metal or black metal or even extreme metal (the likes of what it is today) if not for Slayer."{{cite web|url=http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/interviews.php?intid=348|title=Tribute to Jeff Hanneman (1964–2013)|publisher=metalcrypt.com|date=June 8, 2013|access-date=July 14, 2013}} Johan Reinholdz of Andromeda said that Slayer "were crucial in the development of thrash metal which then became the foundation for a lot of different subgenres. They inspired generations of metal bands." Alex Skolnick of Testament declared: "Before Slayer, metal had never had such razor-sharp articulation, tightness, and balance between sound and stops. This all-out sonic assault was about the shock, the screams, the drums, and [...] most importantly the riffs."{{cite web|url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Remembering_Jeff_Hanneman_1964_2013|title=Remembering Jeff Hanneman: 1964–2013|publisher=premierguitar.com|date=May 6, 2013|access-date=September 5, 2013|archive-date=March 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320001417/http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/remembering_jeff_hanneman_1964_2013|url-status=dead}} Steve Asheim, drummer for Deicide, declared that "there obviously would not have been a Deicide as we know it without the existence of Slayer." Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser affirmed that "without Slayer, Sepultura would never be possible."{{cite web |date=May 29, 2013 |title=ANDREAS KISSER: 'Without SLAYER, SEPULTURA Would Never Be Possible |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/andreas-kisser-without-slayer-sepultura-would-never-be-possible |access-date=September 9, 2013 |publisher=blabbermouth.net}}{{cite web |date=May 29, 2013 |title=Andreas Kisser: 'Without Slayer, Sepultura Would Never Be Possible |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/andreas-kisser-without-slayer-sepultura-would-never-be-possible |access-date=September 9, 2013 |publisher=blabbermouth.net}}

In particular, the band's 1986 release Reign in Blood has been an influence to extreme and thrash metal bands since its release and is considered the record which set the bar for death metal.D.X. Ferris, Slayer's Reign in Blood, Continuum, 2008, p.21 It had a significant influence on genre leaders such as Death, Obituary, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel and Napalm Death.{{Cite magazine |last=de Paola |first=Enrico |date=March 2000 |title=Into the Lungs of Hell |url=http://www.emptywords.org/MetalHammerItaly03-2000.htm |access-date=2023-02-10 |magazine=Metal Hammer |translator-first=Vincenzo |translator-last=Chioccarelli}} The album was hailed the "heaviest album of all time" by Kerrang!,{{cite web |date=August 24, 2006 |title=Kerrang! Hall Of Fame |url=http://kerrang.typepad.com/kerrang_awards_2006_blog/2006/08/kerrang_hall_of.html |access-date=January 10, 2006 |magazine=Kerrang!}} a "genre-definer" by Stylus,{{cite web |author=Jarvis, Clay |date=September 1, 2003 |title=Slayer |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/slayer/reign-in-blood.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060511163047/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/slayer/reign-in-blood.htm |archive-date=May 11, 2006 |access-date=January 19, 2006 |work=Stylus}} and a "stone-cold classic upon its release" by AllMusic.{{cite web |author=Huey, Steve |title=Reign in Blood |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r18220|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=December 1, 2006 |website=AllMusic}} In 2006, Reign in Blood was named the best metal album of the last 20 years by Metal Hammer.{{cite magazine |date=June 13, 2006 |title=Golden Gods Awards Winners |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/?id=44410 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216125723/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/?id=44410 |archive-date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=January 10, 2007 |magazine=Metal Hammer}} According to Nielsen SoundScan, Slayer sold 4,900,000 copies in the United States from 1991 to 2013.{{cite magazine |date=May 2, 2013 |title=Slayer's Jeff Hanneman Dead at 49 |url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/1560533/slayers-jeff-hanneman-dead-at-49 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704074310/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/1560533/slayers-jeff-hanneman-dead-at-49 |archive-date=July 4, 2015 |access-date=August 17, 2015 |magazine=Billboard}}

Other groups who cited Slayer among their major influences include Pantera,{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/artists/pantera/related-artists/?filter=influencedBy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231060301/http://www.mtv.com/artists/pantera/related-artists/?filter=influencedBy |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |title=Pantera Music Influences |publisher=MTV |access-date=2015-07-26}} Kreator,{{cite web|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/metalnews/2006/10/04/kreator-mille-petrozza/|title=Kreator – Mille Petrozza|publisher=metal-rules.com|date=October 4, 2006|access-date=September 28, 2013}} Children of Bodom,{{cite web |title=Children of Bodom Family Tree — The Metal |url=https://www.givememetal.com/melodicdeathtrees/children-of-bodom-family-tree |access-date=5 May 2021 |website=givememetal.com|date=January 26, 2021 }} Mayhem,Pure Fucking Mayhem, dir. Stefan Rydehed, Prophecy Productions, 2008 Darkthrone, Avenged Sevenfold,{{Cite web |last=Christie |first=Dixon |title=Avenged Sevenfold Interview with the Reverend |url=http://www.punktv.ca/?c=105&a=1176 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501100819/http://www.punktv.ca/?c=105&a=1176 |archive-date=May 1, 2006 |access-date=December 29, 2007 |publisher=punktv.com}} Bullet for My Valentine,{{Cite web |title=Interview with Moose from Bullet for my Valentine |url=http://www.the-voices.net/qas/bfmv.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330221355/http://www.the-voices.net/qas/bfmv.php |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |publisher=The-Voices.net}} Trivium,{{cite web |title=Trivium - metalinside |url=http://www.metalinside.de/interview/trivium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170520143454/http://www.metalinside.de/interview/trivium |archive-date=May 20, 2017 |access-date=October 21, 2017 |website=Metalinside.de}} As I Lay Dying,{{Cite web |last=Ailes |first=Drew |date=November 6, 2005 |title=As I Lay Dying interview |url=https://lambgoat.com/features/interviews/73/As-I-Lay-Dying-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822020107/https://lambgoat.com/features/interviews/73/As-I-Lay-Dying-interview |archive-date=August 22, 2018 |access-date=August 21, 2018 |publisher=Lambgoat}} All That Remains,{{cite web |title=All That Remains: Against the Wind |url=http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/print/All_That_Remains_Against_the_Wind |access-date=December 31, 2015 |website=Premierguitar.com |archive-date=January 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119011201/http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/print/All_That_Remains_Against_the_Wind |url-status=dead }} System of a Down,{{cite web|last=Nalbandian|first=Bob|title=Interview with System of a Down|work=Shockwaves Online|url=http://www.hardradio.com/hr3.html?http://www.hardradio.com/shockwaves/system1.php3| access-date=July 21, 2007}} Killswitch Engage,{{cite web |last=Mahsmann |first=Steffi |date=March 29, 2004 |title=KILLSWITCH ENGAGE (HOWARD JONES) |url=http://www.terrorverlag.com/interviews/killswitch-engage-howard-jones/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171016184109/http://www.terrorverlag.com/interviews/killswitch-engage-howard-jones/ |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |access-date=January 30, 2021 |website=Terrorverlag.com |quote=... I'd say that the band that probably influenced me more than any was probably Faith No More. Just because I listened to it so much, when they were active. ... I would say "The Last to Know" by Faith No More [is his favorite song to sing in the shower]! I sing that song in the shower all the time. And I actually wrote the chorus to the song "Breathe Life" on our album, I wrote that in the shower. (laughs)}} Slipknot,{{Cite web |last=Zulaica |first=Don |date=March 4, 2004 |title=liveDaily Interview: Joey Jordison of Slipknot |url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/6191.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930185703/http://www.livedaily.com/news/6191.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |access-date=August 19, 2007 |publisher=liveDaily}} Machine Head,{{cite web |date=May 3, 2013 |title=Musicians Pay Tribute To Fallen SLAYER Guitarist Jeff Hanneman |url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/bummer-alert/musicians-pay-tribute-to-fallen-slayer-guitarist-jeff-hanneman |access-date=July 14, 2013 |publisher=metalinjection.net}} DevilDriver,{{cite web |author=Lumpkin, Sharita |title=DevilDriver interview with Jon Miller |url=http://www.fourteeng.net/devildriverinterview.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513152509/http://www.fourteeng.net/devildriverinterview.html |archive-date=May 13, 2008 |access-date=October 25, 2007 |publisher=fourteeng.net}} Lamb of God,{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/lamb_of_god_frontman_we_sound_like_a_slayer_rip-off.html|title=Lamb Of God Frontman: We Sound Like A Slayer Rip-Off|publisher=ultimate-guitar.com|date=September 2, 2012|access-date=September 28, 2013}} Gojira,{{Cite web |title=Slayer Stories from Pantera, Slash, Slipknot, Korn, Rob Zombie, Johnny Knoxville, Deftones, Gojira, and more |url=http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0%2C%2C10722882%2C00.html |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015002126/http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/news/article/0%2C%2C10722882%2C00.html |archive-date=15 October 2013 |access-date=31 July 2021}} Behemoth,{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/behemoth-frontman-pays-tribute-to-slayer-s-jeff-hanneman/|title=Behemoth Frontman Pays Tribute To Slayer's Jeff Hanneman|publisher=blabbermouth.net|date=June 3, 2013|access-date=November 27, 2013}} Evile{{cite web|url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/en/interviews/view/id/1940|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195839/http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/en/interviews/view/id/1940|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 29, 2013|title=Evile interview|publisher=lordsofmetal.nl|access-date=October 28, 2013}} and Lacuna Coil.{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/lacuna-coil-andrea-ferro-talks-influences-skateboarding-band-origins-more/|title=Lacuna Coil's Andrea Ferro Talks Influences, Skateboarding, Band Origins + More|publisher=loudwire.com|date=May 25, 2012|access-date=September 28, 2013}} Dave Grohl recalled "Me and my friends, we just wanted to listen to fucking Slayer and take acid and smash stuff."Doyle, Tom: "I wanted to take acid and smash stuff," Q #253, August 2007, p.78

A lawsuit was brought against the band in 1996 by the parents of Elyse Pahler, who accused the band of encouraging their daughter's murderers through their lyrics. Pahler was drugged, strangled, stabbed, trampled on, and raped as a sacrifice to the devil by three fans of the band. The case was unsealed by the court on May 19, 2000, stating Slayer and related business markets distribute harmful products to teens, encouraging violent acts through their lyrics,{{cite web|title=The Elyse Marie Pahler Foundation – In Memory of Our Loving Daughter |publisher=elysemarie.org |url=http://www.elysemarie.org |access-date=December 10, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070120122208/http://www.elysemarie.org/ |archive-date=January 20, 2007}} and "none of the vicious crimes committed against Elyse Marie Pahler would have occurred without the intentional marketing strategy of the death-metal band Slayer".{{cite news|title=Slayer named in lawsuit|newspaper=Guardian|date=January 24, 2001|url=http://fradical.com/slayer_named_in_lawsuit.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014204909/http://fradical.com/slayer_named_in_lawsuit.htm|archive-date=October 14, 2007|access-date=December 29, 2006}} The lawsuit was dismissed in 2001, for multiple reasons including "principles of free speech, lack of a duty and lack of foreseeability". A second lawsuit was filed by the parents, an amended complaint for damages against Slayer, their label, and other industry and label entities. The lawsuit was again dismissed. Judge E. Jeffrey Burke stated, "I do not consider Slayer's music obscene, indecent or harmful to minors."{{cite magazine|title=Slayer: Out Of The Dock |magazine=Metal Hammer |date=October 31, 2001 |url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/?id=39564 |access-date=October 15, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211151043/http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/?id=39564 |archive-date=December 11, 2008}}

Slayer has been accused of holding Nazi sympathies due to the band's eagle logo bearing resemblance to the Eagle atop swastika and the lyrics of "Angel of Death".{{cite web|title=Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist?|author=Hess, Mike|publisher=Nighttimes.com|date=July 23, 2003|url=http://www.nighttimes.com/nt_main.asp?aID=388|access-date=December 10, 2006|archive-date=July 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711103745/http://www.nighttimes.com/nt_main.asp?aID=388|url-status=dead}} "Angel of Death" was inspired by the acts of Josef Mengele,{{cite web |author=Steffens |first=Charlie |date=May 30, 2006 |title=Interview with Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman |url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4653 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207142344/http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4653 |archive-date=February 7, 2012 |access-date=December 10, 2006 |website=Knac.com |publisher=}} the doctor who conducted human experiments on prisoners during World War II at the Auschwitz concentration camp and was dubbed the "Angel of Death" by inmates.{{cite web|title=moreorless: heroes & killers of the 20th century – Josef Mengele |publisher=Moreorless.com |date=April 30, 2001 |url=http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/mengele.html |access-date=December 1, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205212657/http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/mengele.html |archive-date=December 5, 2006 }} Araya credits Rubin with coming up with the eagle logo from Hanneman's book on Nazi war medals, with the band using it since Seasons in the Abyss.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=J. |date=October 9, 2018 |title=Inside Slayer's 'Seasons in the Abyss': From "Dead Skin Mask" to Clash of the Titans |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/inside-slayers-seasons-abyss-dead-skin-mask-clash-titans/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009234352/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/inside-slayers-seasons-abyss-dead-skin-mask-clash-titans/ |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Revolver |language=en-US}} The band has dismissed these accusations as misinterpretations of their intentions.

File:Slayer at The Fields of Rock festival.jpg were recalled and destroyed.]]

Slayer's cover of Minor Threat's "Guilty of Being White" raised questions about a possible message of white supremacy in the band's music. The controversy surrounding the cover involved the changing of the refrain "guilty of being white" to "guilty of being right", at the song's ending. This incensed Minor Threat frontman Ian MacKaye, who stated "that is so offensive to me".Blush, Steven American Hardcore: A Tribal History by Steven Blush (New York: Feral House, 2001), "Guilty of Being White," in an interview with Ian MacKaye, 30–31. King said it was changed for "tongue-in-cheek" humor as he thought the allegation of racism at the time was "ridiculous".{{cite web|author=Alpha69 Productions, Perceptive Minds, SERANO |url=http://www.toazted.com/interview/100/Slayer.html |title=Slayer interviews (audio, mp3, video) |publisher=Toazted.com |access-date=December 10, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208054518/http://www.toazted.com/interview/100/Slayer.html |archive-date=December 8, 2008 }}

In a 2004 interview, when asked, "Did critics realize you were wallowing in parody?", Araya replied "No. People thought we were serious!...back then you had that PMRC, who literally took everything to heart, when in actuality you're trying to create an image. You're trying to scare people on purpose."{{cite web|title=Westword interview with Tom Araya|author=La Briola, John|publisher=Westword.com|date=July 22, 2004|url=http://www.westword.com/2004-07-22/music/slay-ride|access-date=December 7, 2006|archive-date=November 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109235942/http://www.westword.com/2004-07-22/music/slay-ride/|url-status=dead}} Araya also denied rumors that the band's members are Satanists, stating that they find the subject of Satanism interesting and that "we are all on this planet to learn and experience".{{cite web|title=Slayers Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids|author=Cummins, Johnson|publisher=MontrealMirror.com|url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2002/012402/music1.html|access-date=December 2, 2006|archive-date=May 24, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524091330/http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2002/012402/music1.html|url-status=dead}}

The song "Jihad" from Christ Illusion sparked controversy among families of the September 11 attack victims, as it deals with the attack from the perspective of one of the religious terrorists. King stated "In America every band under the sun has written their 9/11 song. And that's why I didn't want to have any part of it, but this is really cool. It kind of has an 'Angel Of Death' feel because it doesn't condemn anyone or say that anyone's right or wrong."{{cite magazine |date=May 26, 2006 |title=Slayer spark 9/11 Controversy |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/slayer%20spark%20911%20controversy_26_05_2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312110028/http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/slayer%20spark%20911%20controversy_26_05_2006 |archive-date=March 12, 2007 |access-date=November 29, 2006 |magazine=Contactmusic.com}} Seventeen bus benches promoting the album in Fullerton, California were deemed offensive by city officials, who contacted the band's record label and had the ads removed.{{cite news|title=Exclusive: City Of Fullerton demands that Slayer bus benches be removed |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 1, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=55902 |access-date=January 17, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001003859/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=55902 |archive-date=October 1, 2007 }}{{cite news|title=Slayer 'Christ Illusion' bus benches removed from Fullerton |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=August 8, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=56141 |access-date=January 17, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001004121/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=56141 |archive-date=October 1, 2007 }}

In India, Christ Illusion was recalled by EMI India after protests from Christian religious groups due to the graphic nature of the artwork. The album cover was designed by Slayer's longtime collaborator Larry Carroll and features Christ in a "sea of despair", with amputated arms, missing an eye, while standing in a sea of blood with severed heads.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6039976.stm|title=India bans 'offensive' rock album|date=October 11, 2006|access-date=October 11, 2006|work=BBC News}} Joseph Dias of the Mumbai Christian group Catholic Secular Forum took "strong exception" to the original album artwork as well as the lyrics of "Skeleton Christ" and "Jihad", issuing a memorandum to Mumbai's police commissioner in protest.{{cite news|title=Slayer's Christ Illusion Album Recalled Following Christian Group Protests |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=October 6, 2006 |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59883 |access-date=February 22, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930235524/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59883 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 }} On October 11, 2006, EMI announced that all stocks had been destroyed, noting it had no plans to re-release the record in India in the future.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Current members

• Kerry King – guitars (1981–2019, 2024–present)
• Tom Araya – bass, vocals (1981–2019, 2024–present)
• Paul Bostaph – drums (1992–1996, 1997–2001, 2013–2019, 2024–present)
• Gary Holt – guitars (2013–2019, 2024–present; touring member 2011–2013)

Former members

• Jeff Hanneman – guitars (1981–2013; died 2013){{efn|From late 2010 until his death in May 2013, Jeff Hanneman's participation in Slayer was minimal. In January 2011, he contracted necrotizing fasciitis, which severely restricted his ability to perform. He appeared publicly with the band on only one known occasion, playing two songs during an encore at one of Slayer's Big 4 performances in April 2011; he also attended rehearsals for Fun Fun Fun Fest in November 2011, but did not end up performing at this show. By July 2012, Hanneman had not written or recorded any new material for the band's follow up to 2009's World Painted Blood.{{cite magazine| last = Appleford| first = Steve| title = Slayer Ramp Up Work on New Album| magazine = Rolling Stone| publisher = Wenner Media| date = July 6, 2012| url = https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/slayer-ramp-up-work-on-new-album-20120706| access-date = July 7, 2012| archive-date = July 8, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120708225529/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/slayer-ramp-up-work-on-new-album-20120706| url-status = dead}}{{cite web| title = Slayer's Kerry King Talks Upcoming Album, Jeff Hanneman's Health In New Video Interview| work = Blabbermouth.net| publisher = Roadrunner Records| date = July 5, 2012| url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=176373| access-date = July 7, 2012| archive-date = November 3, 2012| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121103181652/http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=176373| url-status = dead}}{{cite web| last = Ramirez| first = Carlos| title = Slayer Release Statement Updating the Health Status of Jeff Hanneman| work = Noisecreep| publisher = AOL| date = May 1, 2012| url = http://www.noisecreep.com/2012/05/01/slayer-jeff-hanneman/| access-date = July 7, 2012}} In February 2013, Kerry King stated he was planning on recording all of the guitar parts for the upcoming album himself, but was open to Hanneman's return if he was willing and able. King also denied that Gary Holt, member of Exodus and Hanneman's live fill-in, would write or record anything for the upcoming album.{{cite web| title = Kerry King Talks New Slayer Album, Jeff Hanneman's Health Status (Video)| work = Blabbermouth.net| publisher = Roadrunner Records| date = February 1, 2013| url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=185694| access-date = February 1, 2013| archive-date = June 1, 2013| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130601014710/http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=185694| url-status = dead}} Hanneman died on May 2, 2013 at the age of 49 due to liver failure.{{cite magazine| author = Billboard Staff| title = Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman Dead at 49| magazine = Billboard| date = May 2, 2013| url = http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1560534/slayer-guitarist-jeff-hanneman-dead-at-49| access-date = May 2, 2013}}}}
• Dave Lombardo – drums (1981–1986, 1987–1992, 2001–2013)
• Jon Dette – drums (1996–1997; touring member 2013)

{{col-2}}

Touring musicians

• Pat O'Brien – guitars (2011)
• Phil Demmel – guitars (2018)
• Bob Gourley – drums (1983){{cite web|url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/california/huntington+park/slayer|title=Artists: Slayer|publisher=MusicMight|access-date=May 2, 2013|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025054919/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/california/huntington+park/slayer|url-status=dead}}
• Gene Hoglan – drums (1983, 1996)
• Tony Scaglione – drums (1986–1987)

{{col-end}}

{{#tag:timeline|

ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:22

PlotArea = left:90 bottom:60 top:10 right:15

Alignbars = justify

DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy

Period = from:01/01/1981 till:03/01/2025

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom

ScaleMajor = increment:4 start:1981

ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1981

Colors =

id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals,_bass

id:guitar value:green legend:Guitars

id:drums value:orange legend:Drums

id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album

LineData =

layer:back color:studio

at:12/03/1983

at:08/16/1985

at:08/07/1986

at:07/05/1988

at:10/25/1990

at:09/27/1994

at:05/28/1996

at:06/09/1998

at:07/08/2001

at:09/06/2006

at:08/03/2009

at:09/11/2015

BarData =

bar:Araya text:Tom Araya

bar:King text:Kerry King

bar:Hanneman text:Jeff Hanneman

bar:Holt text:Gary Holt

bar:Lombardo text:Dave Lombardo

bar:Bostaph text:Paul Bostaph

bar:Dette text:Jon Dette

PlotData =

width:11

bar:Araya from:start till:11/30/2019 color:vocals

bar:Araya from:02/21/2024 till:end color:vocals

bar:King from:start till:11/30/2019 color:guitar

bar:King from:02/21/2024 till:end color:guitar

bar:Hanneman from:start till:05/02/2013 color:guitar

bar:Holt from:05/02/2013 till:11/30/2019 color:guitar

bar:Holt from:02/21/2024 till:end color:guitar

bar:Lombardo from:start till:09/07/1986 color:drums

bar:Lombardo from:01/01/1987 till:05/15/1992 color:drums

bar:Lombardo from:01/26/2002 till:02/01/2013 color:drums

bar:Bostaph from:10/10/1992 till:10/20/1996 color:drums

bar:Bostaph from:05/27/1997 till:01/26/2002 color:drums

bar:Bostaph from:05/30/2013 till:11/30/2019 color:drums

bar:Bostaph from:02/21/2024 till:end color:drums

bar:Dette from:10/20/1996 till:05/27/1997 color:drums

}}

{{Main|Slayer discography}}

Studio albums

{{col div}}

• Show No Mercy (1983)
• Hell Awaits (1985)
• Reign in Blood (1986)
• South of Heaven (1988)
• Seasons in the Abyss (1990)
• Divine Intervention (1994)
• Undisputed Attitude (1996)
• Diabolus in Musica (1998)
• God Hates Us All (2001)
• Christ Illusion (2006)
• World Painted Blood (2009)
• Repentless (2015)

{{col div end}}

{{awards table|caption=Grammy Awards}}

|-

!scope="row"| 2002

| "Disciple" || Best Metal Performance{{cite news|title=Slayer Wins 'Best Metal' Grammy Award|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-wins-best-metal-grammy-award/|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=January 31, 2014|date=February 10, 2008}} || {{nom}}

|-

!scope="row"|2007

| "Eyes of the Insane" || Best Metal Performance || {{won}}

|-

!scope="row"| 2008

|| "Final Six" || Best Metal Performance || {{won}}

|-

!scope="row"|2010

| "Hate Worldwide" || Best Metal Performance{{cite news|title=Slayer Drummer Interviewed By Chicks With Guns Magazine|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-drummer-interviewed-by-chicks-with-guns-magazine/|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=January 31, 2014|date=September 8, 2010}} || {{nom}}

|-

!scope="row"|2011

| "World Painted Blood" || Best Metal Performance{{cite web|title=Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman Dies|url=http://www.grammy.com/news/slayer-guitarist-jeff-hanneman-dies|work=Grammy Awards|access-date=January 31, 2014}} || {{nom}}

|-

{{end}}

{{awards table|caption=Kerrang! Awards}}

|-

!scope="row"|2006

| Slayer || Kerrang! Hall of Fame{{cite web|url=http://kerrang.typepad.com/kerrang_awards_2006_blog/2006/08/kerrang_hall_of.html|title=Kerrang! Awards 2006 Blog: Kerrang! Hall Of Fame |publisher=Kerrang.typepad.com |access-date=2014-04-23}} || {{won}}

|-

!scope="row"|2013

| Slayer || Kerrang! Legend{{cite web|url=http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2013/06/relentless_kerrang_awards_2013_1.html |title=Kerrang! Awards 2013: Kerrang! Legend |work=Kerrang! |access-date=2014-04-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930214517/http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2013/06/relentless_kerrang_awards_2013_1.html |archive-date=September 30, 2013 }} || {{won}}

|-

{{end}}

{{awards table|caption=Metal Edge Readers' Choice Awards}}

|-

!scope="row"|2003

| War at the Warfield || DVD of the YearMetal Edge, June 2004 || {{won}}

|-

{{end}}

{{awards table|caption=Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards (UK)}}

|-

!scope="row"|2004

| Slayer || Best Live Act{{cite web|title=Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maien Among Winners At Metal Hammer Awards|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-slayer-iron-maiden-among-winners-at-metal-hammer-awards/|work=Blabbermouth.net|publisher=Metal Hammer|date=June 7, 2004|access-date=July 12, 2014}} || {{won}}

|-

!scope="row"|2006

| Reign in Blood || Best Album of the Last 20 Years{{cite web|url=http://www.antimusic.com/news/06/june/1412.shtml|title=Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards – antiMUSIC News|website=Antimusic.com|access-date=July 4, 2018}} || {{won}}

|-

!scope="row"|2007

| | "Eyes of the Insane" || Best Video{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/lamb-of-god-iron-maiden-slayer-machine-head-among-golden-gods-nominees/|title=LAMB OF GOD, IRON MAIDEN, SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD Among 'Golden Gods' Nominees|date=April 10, 2007}} || {{nom}}

|-

!scope="row"|2007

||Slayer || Icon Award{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bullet-for-my-valentine-booed-at-metal-hammer-golden-gods-awards/|title=BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE Booed At METAL HAMMER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS|date=June 12, 2007|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=July 4, 2018}} || {{won}}

|-

{{end}}

{{awards table|caption=Metal Storm Awards}}

|-

!scope="row"|2006

| Christ Illusion || Best Thrash Metal Album{{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/awards/archive.php?year=2006|title=Metal Storm Awards 2006 – Metal Storm|website=Metalstorm.net|access-date=July 4, 2018}} || {{won}}

|-

!scope="row"|2015

| "Repentless" || Best Video{{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/awards/archive.php?year=2015|title=Metal Storm Awards 2015 – Metal Storm|website=Metalstorm.net|access-date=July 4, 2018}} || {{won}}

|-

{{end}}

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|last=McIver|first=Joel|title=The Bloody Reign of Slayer|year=2008|publisher=Omnibus Press|isbn=978-0-85712-038-0|author-link=Joel McIver}}
• {{cite book|last=Ferris|first=D.X.|title=Reign in Blood|series=33⅓ Series|year=2008|publisher=Continuum Books|isbn=978-0-8264-2909-4}}
• {{cite book|last=Szubrycht|first=Jarosław|title=Bez litości. Prawdziwa historia zespołu Slayer (No mercy. The true history of Slayer)|year=2006|publisher=Kagra|isbn=83-87598-48-8}}

{{sister project links|d=Q131231|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|s=no|wikt=no}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{allMusic}}
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys8gFl02YY0 Slayer - Wikipedia Fact or Fiction] at Loudwire

{{Slayer|state=expanded}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance}}

{{Portal bar|Rock music|United States|California|Los Angeles}}

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