In 1981, in a town in California, a group of guys would form a band that would shape metal history with their unbelievably fast and heavy sound and dark looks and this band is Slayer. In the beginning of their career it was guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King, bassist and vocalist Tom Araya, and drummer Dave Lombardo. 

Slayer’s first album, Show No Mercy, was released in December 1983. This album sold around 20,000 copies in the U.S alone and over 15,000 in other countries. However, in 1990, their 5th studio album, Seasons In The Abyss, became their most successful and well-known album with some of their best and most popular songs on there. This album sold over 659,000 copies in the US alone.

When Slayer started making music, the world didn’t know what to think. They had never heard anything this heavy and intense. The public would often call their music “satanic” and “evil,” but Slayer and their fans couldn’t care less. 

Some say it’s kind of ironic because the band’s name is an acronym that is actually satanic. Slayer stands for “Satan Laughs As You Eternally Rot.” This is ironic because the lead singer, Tom Araya, has been very open about being a Catholic these past years.

Slayer has had some hate, but more importantly, so much love. Whether that be from fans, family, or friends, for 37 years, Slayer has been giving their all into their music until 2019 after their farewell tour. Slayer is a recognizable band for all they have done: 12 albums, 2 Grammy awards, and being part of the four most notorious metal bands along with Anthrax, Metallica and Megadeth. Slayer is an unmatchable band, and yes, people try to be like them all the time, but Slayer is a true original and will always be remembered in the hearts of every metalhead.