Kerry King’s ‘From Hell I Rise’ review (+ what King said on making the album)

As a long-time devotee of thrash metal and a fervent admirer of Kerry King’s guitar wizardry, I was beyond excited to delve into the ominous world of “From Hell I Rise.” The album has all the hallmarks of a classic Slayer record, yet it also showcases King’s innovative spirit and his ability to carve out a unique identity.


When a metal icon like Kerry King calls, the world listens.

In another setting, Metal Hammer magazine found itself in the foreboding halls of Freizeitheim Castle in Germany, interacting with one of thrash metal’s most significant figures. Known for his fierce guitar playing as a co-founder of Slayer, King is now making a solo debut with his first album titled “From Hell I Rise”. This album was released on May 17, 2024, and it embodies the rawness of Slayer’s sound while simultaneously creating a unique identity through fresh collaborations and musical adventures.

Although there are some Slayer fans who may have followed him, King didn’t simply repeat his Slayer days with this album; instead, it presents a fresh perspective that signifies a new phase in his iconic, darkened career. Mark Osegueda of Death Angel lends his vocals, Phil Demmel from Machine Head plays the guitar, Kyle Sanders from Hellyeah handles the bass, and Paul Bostaph, King’s former Slayer bandmate, is on drums.

In June of 2024, King himself pointed out: “It doesn’t take much to feel irritated about something.

Fan Q&A highlights with Kerry King

In an interview for Metal Hammer magazine, when asked about his favorite riffs from the album, King highlights an impressive guitar solo in “Idle Hands” towards the end of the track as a notable highlight. This song serves as an effective introduction to the album’s intensity, combining complex riffing with scorching solos, ensuring he avoids accusations of being a sellout.

King additionally talked about forming the band, highlighting his focus on gathering a talented and drama-free team as his top priority. He commends Osegueda’s adaptability and the team spirit within the group, underlining the pleasure of making music together and sharing post-performance drinks. Furthermore, he spoke highly of Paul Bostaph, mentioning that their partnership goes back to the 1990s when Bostaph initially auditioned for Slayer.

Metal-Rules.com characterizes Bostaph as an accomplished professional, ranking among the top drummers in today’s metal music sphere. At first underestimated, Paul subsequently demonstrated his prodigious drumming abilities and has since established himself as a crucial element in King’s music.

What if King had been in other bands?

Kerry King pondered over alternative scenarios as well. He speculated about potentially teaming up with Megadeth, a move that would’ve produced a distinctive sound, or perhaps Mercyful Fate, given their shared dark style resonates with him.

The album’s character

Rising from the Depths exhibits an unyielding intensity, as tracks such as “Diablo” and “Everything I Hate About You” echo Slayer’s relentless ferocity. However, it also explores fresh avenues by merging thrash, hardcore, and punk (“Two Fists”), creating a more organic fusion than the typical blend of heavy metal and hardcore punk.

Osegueda’s vocal prowess is notably striking, infusing his performances with a potent intensity that matches some of Slayer’s most ferocious phases. Furthermore, when performing Slayer songs live, Osegueda admits, “I strive to uphold the legacy of Slayer and satisfy the fans who cherish Slayer.

Despite some tracks potentially facing criticism for lackluster lyrics, a common issue among metal band debuts, the album’s overall unity and fervor make it a strong first release. After Slayer disbanded, fans were left wondering “What’s next?” However, King seems to have found an answer for himself, with occasional reunions notwithstanding. Could King work together with Ice-T once more?

Kerry King’s unique guitar sound and fiery, although not overly melodic, solos continue to be the focal point, solidifying him as a metal titan beyond Slayer’s influence. This project serves to reinforce his legacy while also suggesting intriguing prospects for the future. Whether Slayer’s style might limit his creative output in other projects is still debatable, but for now, From Hell I Rise solidly establishes King as a master of the genre he significantly contributed to defining.

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2024-11-19 22:01