Slayer Continues To Defy Critics Posted By: Jimmy Cox

Another popular metal band that rose to fame in the 80s and 90s is Slayer. This group is another that originated in California and was first formed during 1981. Two talented guitarists gave the band a firm foundation. This duo was Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, and thanks in large part to their talents the group became known as one of the Big 4 heavy metal bands. Tom Araya was recruited for bass guitar and vocals and they met their future percussionist Dave Lombardo when he was delivering pizzas to King. This heavy hitting band is now ranked with musical royalty including Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth.The early days of the band were spent creating controversy and music as they played at small events and parties in the southern California area. The group would play their own versions of hits by groups like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. They would also use satanic symbols, pentagrams, and heavy makeup as props during their performances. Strangely, one myth that still persists is that this band came up with the name Dragonslayer and then shortened it, but King continues to insist that none of them have any idea how this urban legend began.
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