ICE-T Talks SLAYER’s Return And Why Their Legacy Is Untouchable: “We’re In Debt To SLAYER Eternally”

Thrash steel as a style missed one among its cornerstone acts when Slayer performed the ultimate notice of their farewell tour in 2019. The possibility thrashing, moshing, and banging our heads whereas diving into the chaos and energy of their unholy alliance was no extra, and with that remaining bow on November thirtieth, the Angel of Loss of life soared free for a remaining time…

Fortuitously for legions of pentagram-worshipping admirers, myself included, the unexpected announcement of Slayer‘s return arrived in 2024 – after almost 5 years of that “remaining swing that was not a drill” – sending a jolt by means of the steel world airwaves, and signaling the comeback so many had dreamed of however few actually believed would ever occur. The timing made the information much more shocking – guitarist Kerry King was getting ready to launch his debut solo album, and tensions with vocalist Tom Araya had been overtly aired within the prior weeks.

Possibly for a band like Slayer, retirement was by no means going to final, as a lot because it seemed useless severe on the finish of that present in LA. Their two reunion reveals within the U.S. (a 3rd was canceled as a consequence of Hurricane Helene) final 12 months reminded us of their unmatched vitality and pulverizing energy, cementing their already legendary standing as one of the essential bands in heavy music. And whereas the group insists no new music is on the horizon, their return proves that their legacy stays unmatched.

Longtime Slayer super-fan and Physique Depend frontman Ice-T lately sat down with, Metallic Hammer, and mirrored on their return to the reside phases, and on what makes the band so particular. Slayer‘s covers have been a staple of Physique Depend‘s reside setlist for some time, so it is no shock Ice-T has them in excessive regard.

“I all the time anticipated it could occur,” Ice-T shared, talking in regards to the band’s return. “Kerry King has come out and achieved his personal band, but it surely’s not gonna take a lot to get them again collectively. It is completely different when a gaggle retires in comparison with when a gaggle breaks up. When a gaggle breaks up, you could by no means see them once more. However when a gaggle retires, that is simply taking a break. I am like, ‘Yeah, meaning they will retire from the ritual of touring, however they will play one-off gigs down the highway.’ The worst factor is to retire and no person provides a f*** and other people go, ‘Good riddance,’ however that is by no means gonna occur with Slayer, is it?!”

Ice-T additionally addressed the potential for new music from the band: “After all. You all the time need to hear new music from bands you’re keen on. That is like saying Physique Depend should not make a brand new album. They need to do regardless of the f*** they need.”

For Ice-T, Slayer‘s uniqueness lies of their potential to create a sound that is still unparalleled: “Slayer‘s a one-off band. There is no group like them. They created a sound — they’re the bar so far as precision, this quick factor that is aware of learn how to cease on a dime. Physique Depend have been lucky sufficient to work with them; they’ve allowed us to cowl them. We’re in debt to Slayer perpetually.”