Kerry King, the legendary guitarist of thrash metal titans Slayer, recently shared his thoughts on what he considers the most flawless albums in heavy metal history. During an engaging conversation on the Lipps Service podcast, King highlighted several classics that have left an indelible mark on the genre.
Among his top picks are Stained Class by Judas Priest, Sabotage by Black Sabbath, Powerage by AC/DC, and Master Of Puppets by Metallica. These albums, according to King, represent the pinnacle of musical craftsmanship, each delivering a seamless listening experiance from the first track to the last.
However, when it comes to Iron Maiden, King faced a tougher decision. He found himself torn between two iconic releases: Killers and The Number Of The Beast. “Maiden’s tough, as it’s a very different vibe between Killers and Number Of The Beast,” he explained. “I’d problably have to go Number of the Beast because,top to bottom,I think it’s stronger than killers,just because of the ballad-y type tune on Killers,I can’t remember what it’s called[[[[Prodigal Son]. That’s a hard pick,because Killers is a great record.”
King’s deep appreciation for the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) is no secret. As a co-founder of Slayer in 1981, he has often cited bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest as major influences. In Slayer’s early days, they even paid homage to these legends by covering their songs during live performances. Last year, King also reflected on judas Priest’s impact, emphasizing how their work shaped his musical journey.
this insight into Kerry King’s musical tastes offers a engaging glimpse into the mind of a metal icon. His choices not only highlight the albums that have inspired him but also underscore the enduring legacy of the bands that defined heavy metal’s golden era.
Kerry King, the legendary guitarist of Slayer, has always been vocal about his musical influences and opinions on the metal scene. In a recent interview,he reminisced about the band that sparked his love for heavy metal: Judas Priest. “They were the catalyst that got me into metal music,” King revealed.”Back in the day, there were only two rock stations, and that’s where I first heard tracks like Breaking The Law and Living After Midnight from their 1980 album British Steel.”
He continued, “At that time, I didn’t even no who Judas priest was, believe it or not. But I remember thinking, ‘Cool, I like the singer, and I love that there are two guitars.’ That sound just clicked with me.”
While King holds Priest in high regard, his thoughts on Iron Maiden’s recent work are less enthusiastic. Earlier this year, he shared his struggles with the band’s evolving style. “I haven’t heard Bruce Dickinson’s 2024 solo album The Mandrake Project, but a friend told me it’s better than Iron Maiden,” he said.”Wouldn’t surprise me—nothing against Maiden, but their songs have gotten so long, man. I just can’t be bothered with it. My attention span isn’t that much.”
This isn’t the first time King has expressed his preference for shorter,punchier tracks. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among some fans who feel that modern metal has drifted too far into epic, drawn-out compositions.
Slayer, the thrash metal titans, officially retired in 2019 after a farewell world tour. Though, they surprised fans by reuniting last year as a live-only act. King has as clarified that the band has no plans to record new music or embark on full-length tours again. “We’re sticking to live shows,” he confirmed. “that’s where the energy is.”
One of those live shows includes a highly anticipated performance at the Louder Than Life festival this September. The band was originally scheduled to play last year, but their set was canceled due to severe weather.Fans are now eagerly waiting to see Slayer take the stage again.
Outside of Slayer, King is carving out a solo career. His debut album, From Hell I Rise, dropped in May and has been met with positive reviews. His solo band is currently on their first North American headline tour, giving fans a chance to experience King’s signature riffs in a new setting.
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What albums did Kerry King cite as being flawless?
Interview with Kerry King: A Deep Dive into Heavy metal’s Flawless Albums
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Kerry, welcome, and thank you for joining us today. You’ve recently shared your thoughts on some of the most flawless albums in heavy metal history. Let’s dive right in. Why do Stained Class by Judas Priest and Master Of Puppets by Metallica stand out to you as perfect albums?
Kerry King: Thanks for having me. Stained Class is just one of those records that defines what heavy metal is all about. Judas Priest nailed it—the riffs, the vocals, the production. It’s timeless. As for Master Of Puppets, it’s a masterpiece. Metallica pushed boundaries with that album, and every track is a banger. It’s thrash metal at its finest.
Archyde: You also mentioned Sabotage by Black Sabbath and Powerage by AC/DC.What makes these albums so special to you?
Kerry King: Sabotage is Sabbath at their most experimental and creative. Tracks like “Symptom of the Universe” and “Hole in the Sky” are just monstrous. It’s heavy, dark, and innovative. Powerage, on the other hand, is AC/DC’s rawest album.It’s got that bluesy edge, and every song feels like a punch in the gut. It’s underrated, but it’s one of their best.
Archyde: you had a tough time choosing between Iron Maiden’s killers and The Number of the beast. why did you ultimately lean toward The Number of the Beast?
Kerry King: Yeah, that was a tough one. Both are killer records, but the Number of the Beast is just stronger top to bottom. It’s got “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” “Run to the Hills,” and “the Prisoner.” Killers is great, but it’s got that ballad, “Prodigal Son,” which kind of breaks the flow for me. Still, both albums are essential.
Archyde: You’ve often cited the New Wave of British Heavy Metal as a major influence on your career. How did bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest shape your sound with Slayer?
Kerry King: Those bands were everything to me early on. Judas Priest was the catalyst that got me into metal. Their aggression and precision were mind-blowing. Iron Maiden brought this energy and complexity that inspired us to push ourselves creatively. When we started Slayer, we were paying homage to these giants. We covered their songs live, and their influence is all over our early work.
Archyde: Speaking of Slayer, your band has had an amazing legacy. Looking back, is there an album you consider flawless from your own catalog?
Kerry King: I’d say reign in Blood. It’s only 29 minutes long, but every second counts. It’s fast, brutal, and definitive. We set out to create something that would stand the test of time, and I think we nailed it.
Archyde: Final question: What advice would you give to young musicians who look up to you and want to make their mark in heavy metal?
Kerry King: Stay true to yourself. Don’t chase trends—play what you love and do it with passion. Heavy metal is about energy, intensity, and authenticity. If you’ve got that, the rest will follow.
Kerry King’s insights into the albums and bands that shaped his career are a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal. His choices reflect not only his personal journey but also the timeless influence of the genre’s pioneers.
For more on Kerry King and his latest projects, visit kerrykingofficial.com.
This interview is brought to you by Archyde – Your Source for Music and Culture.
