Slayer guitarist Kerry King has revealed to Metal Hammer what he thinks was the key to Metallica's success – melodies. King said Metallica had more of an "everyman" quality to their music that he feels really propelled them to success, whereas Slayer was always on the darker side and it wasn't quite as appealing.
“They were probably the best with melody, be it vocal or guitar harmonies.
"Sure, we had guitar harmonies but they were still on the darker side, whereas with Metallica, it was more – I don't want to cheapen it by saying this – but it's more everyman's music.
"Like I said, I don't mean that in a cheap way; it's easier to get into for people than Slayer's darker tones and darker lyrical vision.
"Metallica wrote stuff that anybody could like without going, 'Why am I liking this?' or, 'Is it OK to like this?' Whereas people have probably asked themselves about us for decades, 'Is it OK to like Slayer?' [Laughs]"
Though who knows? Maybe King's new band with Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph will be melodious as all hell.
