Yesterday, dates leaked for Slayer's fall North American tour with Gojira and 4arm in October. Later in the day, we got an official press release from Slayer about the tour. There was one line in particular that stood out to me:
While still recovering from the devastating loss of [guitarist Jeff] Hanneman, [frontman Tom] Araya and [guitarist Kerry] King have begun to work on new material and hope to spend some time in the studio prior to this tour.
Of course, this might cause some controversy amongst Slayer fans, with the passing of guitarist Jeff Hanneman, and drummer Dave Lombardo out of the band.
Prior to Hanneman's death, Kerry King said in February that the band had about 10 songs ready to go. I know there are definitely two Slayer songs complete, with Lombardo on drums. The two tracks were to be a part of an EP that was going to be released last year during the band's stint on Mayhem Fest, but since Slayer couldn't get completed in time, the band saved the songs for an eventual full-length release. I have no idea how much more of the record Lombardo wrote with King, but could new/old drummer Paul Bostaph end up playing the parts Lombardo wrote, or will he add some of his own flavor?
Also, in a recent interview, Tom Araya said that he was texting with Jeff Hanneman and Hanneman began work on a new song, so could that finished track be featured on the record as well?
Ultimately, we will see new music from the band, most likely in 2014. It will be a big deal. Will you be listening?
