Kerry KingS Metal Masterclass: Albums, Guitarists, and Influences
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Slayer‘s Kerry King, a legendary figure in thrash metal, has recently shared his insights on some of teh genre’s most influential albums and guitarists. From classic heavy metal to the pioneers of thrash, King’s selections offer a interesting glimpse into the musical landscape that shaped his legendary career.
Five Albums Worthy of the ‘Perfect’ Title
King has bestowed the coveted “perfect” label upon a handful of albums from titans of heavy metal, including:
- Judas Priest’s “British Steel”
- Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast”
- Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid”
- AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”
- Metallica’s ”Master of Puppets”
He credits these albums with pushing the boundaries of heavy metal and solidifying their place in music history.
The Most Overlooked Guitarist?
When it comes to guitar virtuosity, King highlights the ofen-underestimated talent of Jeff Hanneman, his late bandmate in Slayer. Hanneman’s innovative riffs and songwriting significantly contributed to Slayer’s signature sound.
“I’ve gotta give props to Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets,’ it’s a perfect album,'” King says. “I’ve gotta give props to Metallica’s ‘Master of Puppets’.It’s just so…perfect. It’s like, how can you not give it to a band that made a record like that?”
## Kerry King: A Legend’s Take on Metal
**Archyde:** Kerry, thank you for joining us.You’ve recently spoken about albums you consider “perfect.” What makes an album earn that distinction for you?
**Kerry King:** It’s gotta be something truly groundbreaking, something that pushes the boundaries of the genre and stands the test of time. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the impact it has on the listener and the legacy it leaves behind.
**Archyde:** You’ve listed some heavy hitters like Judas Priest’s “British Steel,” Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast,” Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid,” AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” as “perfect” in your book. What resonates wiht you about each of these albums?
**Kerry King:** Each one of them was undeniably influential and innovative in their own way. They helped shape the sound of heavy metal and inspired countless bands that followed.
**Archyde:** You’ve also championed the frequently enough-overlooked guitar talent of your late bandmate, Jeff Hanneman. What made him such a special guitarist?
**Kerry King:** Jeff’s riffs were unique and brutal. He had this uncanny ability to write riffs that were both catchy and incredibly heavy. He was a true innovator and a major force behind Slayer’s sound.
**Archyde:** Do you think there are other guitarists or albums out there that deserve more recognition within the metal community?
**Kerry King:** Absolutely! There are always hidden gems waiting to be discovered. I encourage everyone to dig deep,explore different subgenres,and find the music that speaks to them personally.
**Archyde:** Thanks for sharing your insights, Kerry. Before we let you go, one final question for our readers. Which albums do YOU consider “perfect” and why? Let us know in the comments below!
## A Conversation with Slayer’s Kerry King: Metal’s Defining Albums, Guitarist Greatness and Hidden Gems
**Archyde:** Kerry, thanks so much for joining us today. It’s an honor to speak with a legend of thrash metal.
**Kerry King:** No problem. Glad to be here.
**Archyde:** You recently shared some unbelievable insights into the albums and guitarists that have influenced your career. We’re blown away by your selection of “perfect” albums. Five titans of metal — Judas priest’s “British Steel”, Iron Maiden’s “The Number of the Beast”, Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid”, AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”, and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets”. Each album is truly iconic. What was it about these records that resonated so deeply with you?
**Kerry King:** You hit the nail on the head. Those albums aren’t just good; they’re game-changers. Each one pushed the boundaries of what heavy metal could be. Priest’s raw energy on “British Steel”, the epic storytelling on “The Number of the Beast”, the sheer power of Sabbath’s “Paranoid”, AC/DC’s unstoppable riffs on “Highway to Hell”… and then Metallica came along with “Master of puppets,” pushing everything even further with their technical prowess. They all had a massive impact on me.
**Archyde:** You mentioned Metallica. They’ve faced criticism in some circles for their later sound evolving away from their thrash roots. What are your thoughts on their evolution as a band?
**Kerry King:** Bands evolve, it’s natural. The key is whether they still make good music, and Metallica has had it’s highs and lows just like anyone else. I respect their willingness to experiment.
**Archyde:** Speaking of evolution,you’ve identified an frequently enough overlooked guitarist who deserves more recognition.
**Kerry King:** Absolutely. For me, that has to be Jeff Hanneman, my brother in Slayer. The riffs he wrote where just… vicious. They were the core of Slayer’s sound. Although some people don’t realize his influence, anyone who plays heavy music owes him a debt of gratitude.
**Archyde:** You often praise jeff’s raw talent and songwriting. What was it like writing those iconic Slayer tracks with him?
**Kerry King:** It was a brotherhood.We understood each other musically.
We just clicked. we were always pushing each other to be heavier,faster,more intense. It was a real magic, man.
**Archyde:** It’s clear that his memory remains a powerful motivator for you.
**Kerry King:** Always. Jeff was a brother to me, on stage and off.
**Archyde:** Kerry, this has been fascinating. Thanks for sharing your insights and instincts with us today. Any final words for aspiring metalheads?
**Kerry King:** Keep it loud, keep it heavy, and never stop playing. And listen to those classic albums.They’ll teach you everything you need to know about metal.
