Kerry King described how he learnt that Slayer was retiring years ago in a recent interview.

In a recent interview with Revolver, the guitarist discussed the few 2024 performances by the thrash veterans as well

as his impending solo debut album, From Hell I Rise. He revealed during the conversation that he had written some

of the album’s tracks for Slayer before learning of their impending retirement in late 2019.

“I had every intention of recording another Slayer record,” King recalls, “until Tom [Araya] received a question

regarding the next Slayer album from a publication during an interview. ‘I don’t know, I have talk to Kerry before we

start working on the next record,’ he remarked.

But Araya had no desire to work on another Slayer record. His goal was to retire.

“And when I found that out, of course I’m hurt, first and foremost,” said King. “I think, ‘I have a lot of work to do,’

second. Third, I think, ‘I just need to get ready to move on and play my gig as best I can every night.’ “All these songs

that I’d been writing for Slayer?” was my fourth thought. They’re all mine now.”

The guitarist acknowledges the value of Slayer “going out on top,” but he also claims that working on the song alone

gave him a fresh sense of creative freedom. Additionally, even if he never felt constrained while creating Slayer

content, From Hell I Rise would sound quite a bit different if it was a Slayer album.

This year, Slayer will play at three events in September and October: Riot Fest, Aftershock, and Louder Than Life.

However, King stated that he “can pretty much guarantee” that they will never perform or release another record.

He exclaimed, “I just started my new career, and my career is just taking off,” and mentioned that he had already

written some songs for his second solo album.

“The wait for that album won’t be long,” he hinted. “There won’t be no five-year gap.”