Kerry King

Biography

Kerry King, born on June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, is a legendary guitarist and a founding member of the iconic thrash metal band Slayer. He took an interest in music during his teenage years, influenced by the burgeoning rock scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s. His early career saw him initially dabbling in various local bands, searching for a distinctive sound that would eventually be defined by speed, aggression, and a ferocious guitar tone. King's innate talent for guitar playing was undeniable, which set the stage for his future career as a heavy metal icon. In 1981, Kerry King co-founded Slayer, which would go on to become one of the most influential bands in the genre. Known for their blistering speed, aggressive sound, and controversial lyrics, Slayer quickly rose to prominence within the thrash metal scene. King has been an integral part of the band's lineup since its inception and has contributed to every Slayer album. Notably, King had a brief stint with Megadeth in 1983, but his commitment to Slayer soon led him back to their ranks, where he would stay for decades, helping to craft classic albums like "Reign in Blood," "South of Heaven," and "Seasons in the Abyss." Kerry King's musical style is characterized by his signature techniques, blending traditional heavy metal with influences from punk and speed metal. His aggressive playing style and use of unconventional scales set him apart from his contemporaries. He is renowned for using high-gain amplifiers and powerful, distortion-heavy sounds that became a hallmark of Slayer's music. King's gear of choice includes the iconic 1980s Marshall JCM800 guitars, paired with his custom-built Ibanez guitars integrated with EMG pickups. He often employs a wide repertoire of effects pedals, such as the Boss DS-1 Distortion and Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer, to shape his sound. With a preference for heavy gauge strings, he pushes the envelope of tonality and sustain in metal music. Kerry King’s legacy within the heavy metal genre is profound, revered for his contributions to metal music's evolution and popularity. Slayer is often cited as one of the “Big Four” of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax, shaping the sound and culture of heavy metal as a whole. Even as Slayer concluded their farewell tour in 2019, King's influence continues to be felt in the works of countless musicians and bands that followed in their footsteps. He remains active in the music industry, engaging in various projects and continuing to inspire future generations of guitarists. King’s raw energy and dedication to his craft solidify his status as an enduring figure in rock history.