Slayer and Ken Rudin: Difference between pages

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'''Ken Rudin''' is [[NPR]]'s [[political]] [[editing|editor]], and is involved with any political [[news]] on a variety of NPR programs. Rudin also cohosts a segment called The Political Junkie on the NPR program [[Talk of the Nation]] and writes a column of the same name for npr.org<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1930204 Ken Rudin, NPR Biography]</ref>.
{{otheruses}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| Name = Slayer
| Img = Slayer, The Fields of Rock, 2007.jpg
| Img_capt = L-R: [[Jeff Hanneman]], [[Tom Araya]], [[Kerry King]] and [[Dave Lombardo]] at the [[Fields of Rock]], June 16, 2007.
| Img_size = 250
| Landscape = yes
| Background = group_or_band
| Origin = [[Huntington Park, California|Huntington Park]], [[California]], [[United States]]
| Years_active = 1981 &ndash; present
| Label = [[Metal Blade Records|Metal Blade]], [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]], [[American Recordings|American]]
| Associated_acts = [[Whiplash (band)|Whiplash]], [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]], [[Fantômas (band)|Fantômas]], [[Grip Inc.]], [[Testament (band)|Testament]], [[The Truth About Seafood]], [[Megadeth]]
| URL = [http://www.slayer.net/ www.slayer.net]
| Current_members =[[Tom Araya]]<br/>[[Jeff Hanneman]]<br/>[[Kerry King]]<br/>[[Dave Lombardo]]
| Past_members =[[Paul Bostaph]]<br/>[[Tony Scaglione]]<br/>[[Jon Dette]]
}}
'''Slayer''' is an [[United States|American]]<!--PLEASE DO NOT ADD GRAMMY WINNING--> [[thrash metal]] band founded by [[guitarist]]s [[Jeff Hanneman]] and [[Kerry King]] in 1981.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> Slayer rose to fame as one of the leaders of the American thrash metal movement with their 1986 release, ''[[Reign in Blood]]'', which has been called "the heaviest album of all time" by ''[[Kerrang!]]''.<ref name="Kerrang! Hall Of Fame">{{cite web|title = Kerrang! Hall Of Fame|author=|publisher=[[Kerrang!]]|date=[[2006-08-24]]|url=http://kerrang.typepad.com/kerrang_awards_2006_blog/2006/08/kerrang_hall_of.html|accessdate = 2006-01-10 }}</ref> The band is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands, along with [[Metallica]], [[Anthrax (band)|Anthrax]], and [[Megadeth]].


==Childhood==
Slayer is known for its musical traits, involving fast [[tremolo picking]], [[guitar solo]]s, [[double bass drumming]], and shouting vocals. The band's lyrics and album art, which cover topics such as death, deviants, [[genocide]], [[necrophilia]], insanity, religion, [[Satanism]], [[serial killers]], and [[war]]fare have generated album bans, delays, lawsuits and strong criticism from religious groups and the general public. The name Slayer is an acronym for "Satan Laughs As You Eternally Rot". This is referenced in the song "Live Undead" from the 1988 album ''[[South of Heaven]]''.
Rudin was born November 13, 1950. Rudin grew up in [[New York City]] and in his teen age years he moved to Fort Lee, New Jersey. His early childhood was spent in [[The Bronx]] where he lived only a few blocks away from [[Yankee Stadium]]. He moved to [[New Jersey]] as an adolescent but remains a die hard [[Yankees]] fan.


==Trivia==
Since its debut record in 1983, the band has released two [[live album]]s, one [[cover version|cover album]], one [[box set]], three DVDs, one VHS, two [[Extended play|EPs]], and nine studio albums, four of which have received gold [[RIAA certification|certification]] in the United States. The band has received three [[Grammy]] nominations, winning one in 2007 for the song "[[Eyes of the Insane]]", and one in 2008 for the song "Final Six". They have headlined music festivals worldwide, including [[The Unholy Alliance (tour)|Unholy Alliance]] and [[Ozzfest]].
{{Trivia|date=February 2008}}
During the 1960s, Rudin began collecting [[campaign buttons]], he now has a collection of more 70,000 campaign items<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/button/rudin.htm Ken Rudin Biography]</ref>. Ken is also a crazed music lover who has been making [[mixtape| mixtapes]] since 1975. <ref>[http://216.35.221.77/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5394585 mixed signals]</ref> These tapes will have anything on them from [[CBS News| CBS Radio election coverage]], to [[The Beach Boys]], to [[Phil Rizzuto| Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto]], to [[Sufjan Stevens]], to [[Lou Dobbs]], to [[Buffalo Springfield]] and pretty much anything and everything in between. He was [[Color War General]] at [http://www.lokanda.com Camp Lokanda] in 1974 and 1975<ref>[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5601903 Online Column]</ref>.


During the 2008 presidential primary campaign, Rudin attracted criticism for comparing Senator [[Hillary Clinton]] with [[Glenn Close]]'s character Alex Forrest in the movie ''[[Fatal Attraction]]'' during an appearance on CNN's ''[[Sunday Morning]]''. Of Senator Clinton, he said, like Ms Close, "she’s going to keep coming back, and they’re not going to stop her." In response to this Rudin featured in the ''Worst Persons In The World'' segment on [[MSNBC]]'s ''[[Countdown with Keith Olbermann]]''. Mr. Rudin later apologized.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/us/politics/13women.html Media Charged With Sexism in Clinton coverage, ''[[New York Times]]'', 13 June 2008</ref>
==History==
===Early days (1981–1982)===
Slayer formed in 1981, when guitarist [[Kerry King]] met [[Jeff Hanneman]] while auditioning for a band.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web|title = Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman|author = Davis, Brian |publisher = Knac.com|url = http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3153|accessdate = 2006-12-13 }}</ref> The two recruited bassist and vocalist [[Tom Araya]], who had played with King before in the band [[Quits (band)|Quits]] (previously called Tradewinds). Drummer [[Dave Lombardo]] was recruited when he met King delivering a pizza.<ref name="Drummerworld - Dave Lombardo"/> The band played [[cover version]]s of [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Judas Priest]] songs at clubs and parties in [[Southern California]]. Early shows relied on a [[Satanism|Satanic]] image, which featured [[pentagram]]s, make-up, spikes, and inverted crosses.<ref name="Allmusic Biography of Slayer">{{cite web| title = Allmusic Biography of Slayer| author = Huey, Steve | publisher = Allmusicguide.com| date = | url = http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:97yvad5kv8w3~T1| accessdate = 2006-12-10 }}</ref> Rumor has it the band was originally known as Dragonslayer, after the 1981 movie of the same [[Dragonslayer|name]]. However, when King was asked "How did you come up with the name Dragonslayer?" King responded "We never did; it's a myth to this day."<ref name="Kerry King about the Dragonslayer myth, Christ Illusion, previous albums and experimenting">{{cite web
|title=Kerry King about the Dragonslayer myth, Christ Illusion, previous albums and experimenting |publisher=www.faceculture.nl |date=[[2006-10-20]] |url=http://www.faceculture.nl/slayer/index.htm# |accessdate=2007-04-05}}</ref>

The band was offered to open for [[Bitch (band)|Bitch]] at the Woodstock Club in [[Los Angeles]], performing eight songs — six being [[cover version|covers]]. While performing Iron Maiden's "[[Phantom of the Opera (song)|Phantom of the Opera]]" the band was spotted by [[Brian Slagel]], a former [[music journalist]] who had recently founded [[Metal Blade Records]]. Impressed with Slayer's performance, Slagel met with the band backstage and asked them to record an original song, "Aggressive Perfector" ({{audio|Aggressive Perfector clip.ogg|sample}}) for his upcoming ''[[Metal Massacre#Metal Massacre III 1983|Metal Massacre III]]'' compilation. The band agreed and the song created underground buzz, which led to Slagel offering the band a [[recording contract]] with Metal Blade.<ref name="INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN SLAGEL">{{cite web|title = Interview with Brian Slagel|author = German, Eric|publisher = Metalupdate.com|url = http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewmetalblade.html|accessdate = 2006-12-04}}</ref>

===''Show No Mercy'' (1983–1984)===
Without a recording budget, the band was forced to self-finance its debut album. Combining the savings of Araya, who was employed as a [[respiratory therapist]],<ref name="Live Chat with Tom Araya of Slayer">{{cite web
|title = Live Chat with Tom Araya of Slayer
|author =
|publisher = ESPguitars.com
|url=http://www.espguitars.com/news/news_tomchat.html
|accessdate = 2006-12-10 }}</ref> and money borrowed from King's father,<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer">{{cite web|title=An exclusive oral history of Slayer|publisher=Decibel Magazine|url=http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4566|accessdate=2006-12-03}}</ref> the band entered the studio in November 1983. The album was rushed into release, hitting shelves three weeks after tracks were completed. ''[[Show No Mercy]]'', released in December 1983 by Metal Blade Records, generated underground popularity for the band, and they began their first national club tour in 1984 to promote the album traveling in Araya's [[Camaro]] towing a [[U-Haul]] trailer.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> The tour gave the band additional popularity; sales of ''Show No Mercy'' reached more than 20,000 in the US and another 20,000 worldwide.<ref name="INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN SLAGEL"/>

In August 1984, Slayer released a three song [[extended play|EP]] titled ''[[Haunting the Chapel]]''. The EP featured a darker, more [[thrash metal|thrash]]-oriented style than its predecessor, and laid the groundwork for the future direction of the band.<ref name="Slayer : Haunting the Chapel">{{cite web|title=Slayer:Haunting the Chapel|author=Rivadavia, Ed|publisher=Allmusic|url = http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,164341,00.html|accessdate=2006-12-01}}</ref> The opening track, "Chemical Warfare," has become a live staple, played at nearly every show since 1984. After the release of ''Haunting the Chapel'', Slayer made its live European debut at the ''Heavy Sounds Festival'' in [[Belgium]] opening for [[UFO (band)|UFO]],<ref name="Slayer - Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web|title=Slayer - Jeff Hanneman|author=Lahtinen, Lexi|publisher=Metal-rules.com|date=[[2006-12-18]]|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=737&Itemid=60|accessdate=2006-12-27}}</ref> returning to the US to begin the ''Haunting The West Coast'' tour.<ref name="Dark Angel">{{cite web|title=Dark Angel|publisher=Voicesfromthedarkside.com|url=http://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interviews/darkangel2.htm|accessdate=2007-03-04}}</ref>

Following the tour, King temporarily left Slayer to join [[Dave Mustaine]]'s new band [[Megadeth]].<ref name="Megadeth History">{{cite web|title = Megadeth History|publisher = Megadeth.com|url =http://www.megadeth.com/index.php?section=history|accessdate=2006-12-10}}</ref> Hanneman was worried about King's decision, stating in an interview "I guess we’re gonna get a new guitar player."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> While Mustaine wanted King to stay on a permanent basis, King rejoined Slayer after five shows, stating Megadeth was "taking too much of my time."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> The split caused a rift between King and Mustaine, which evolved into a long running feud between the two bands.<ref name="cocksucker">{{cite web | url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=32802 |title="Slayer's Kerry King Says Dave Mustaine is 'A Cocksucker'" - February 12, 2005|work=Blabbermouth.net|accessmonthday = October 21 | accessyear = 2006}}</ref> Following King's return, the band embarked on the ''1984 Combat Tour'', with [[Venom (band)|Venom]] and [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]], and released a [[live album]] titled ''[[Live Undead]]'' in November.

===''Hell Awaits'' (1985–1986)===
Slayer released its first live [[home video]] in 1985, dubbed ''Combat Tour: The Ultimate Revenge''. The video featured live footage filmed at [[New York]]'s [[Studio 54]] club, on the band's 1984 tour with Venom and Exodus. By early 1985, ''Show No Mercy'' had sold over 40,000 copies,<ref name="INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN SLAGEL"/> which led to the band returning to the studio to record a second full length album. Metal Blade financed a recording budget, which allowed the band to hire producer [[Ron Fair]].<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>
{{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}}
{{Listen
|filename= Hell Awaits clip.ogg
|title="Hell Awaits" (1985)
|description="Hell Awaits" features a backwards recording of a demonic voice saying "Join us" and "Welcome Back".
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{sample box end}}
Released in September 1985, Slayer's second full length release ''[[Hell Awaits]]'' expanded on the darkness of ''Haunting the Chapel'', with [[Hell]] and [[Satan]] as common song subjects. The album was the band's most [[progressive rock|progressive]] offering, featuring longer and more complex song structures.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> The intro is a backwards recording of a demonic-sounding voice repeating "Join us," ending with "Welcome Back" before the track begins.<ref name="Why They Rule - #6 Slayer"/>

===''Reign in Blood'' (1986–1987)===
Following the success of ''Hell Awaits'', Slayer was offered a recording contract with [[Russell Simmons]] and [[Rick Rubin]]'s newly founded [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam Records]], a largely [[hip hop music|rap]]-based label.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> The band accepted and with an experienced producer and [[major label]] recording budget, the band underwent a sonic makeover resulting in shorter, faster songs with clearer production. Gone were the complex arrangements and long songs featured on ''Hell Awaits'', ditched in favor of stripped down, [[thrash metal]] influenced song structures.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>

Def Jam's distributor, [[Columbia Records]], refused to release the album ''[[Reign in Blood]]'' due to its graphic cover art and lyrical themes.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> For example, "[[Angel of Death (song)|Angel of Death]]" detailed [[The Holocaust|Holocaust]] [[concentration camp]]s and the [[human experiments]] conducted by Nazi physician [[Josef Mengele]]. The album was distributed by [[Geffen Records]] on October 7, 1986. However, due to the controversy, ''Reign in Blood'' did not appear on Geffen Records’ release schedule.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> Although the album received virtually no radio airplay, it became the band's first to enter the [[Billboard 200]], debuting at #94,<ref name="Billboard">{{cite web|title=Slayer's album chart history|publisher= Billboard.com|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=5692&model.vnuAlbumId=789249|accessdate=2006-12-01}}</ref> and the band's first album certified gold in the United States.<ref name="RIAA"/>

In October 1986, Slayer embarked on the ''Reign in Pain'' world tour, with [[Overkill (band)|Overkill]] in the US, and [[Malice (metal band)|Malice]] in Europe. The band was added as the opening act on [[W.A.S.P. (band)|W.A.S.P.]]'s US tour, but just one month in, drummer Lombardo left the band: "I wasn't making any money. I figured if we were gonna be doing this professionally, on a major label, I wanted my rent and utilities paid."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> To continue with the tour, Slayer enlisted [[Tony Scaglione]] of [[Whiplash (band)|Whiplash]]. However, Lombardo's wife convinced Dave to return in 1987.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> At the insistence of Rubin, Slayer recorded a [[cover version]] of [[Iron Butterfly]]'s "[[In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida]]" for the film ''[[Less Than Zero (film)|Less Than Zero]]''.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> Although the band was not happy with the final product, Hanneman deeming it "a poor representation of Slayer" and King labeling it "a hunk of shit", it was one of their first songs to garner [[radio airplay]].<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>

===''South of Heaven'' (1988–1989)===
Slayer returned to the studio to record their fourth studio album. To contrast the speed of ''Reign in Blood'', the band consciously decided to slow down the [[tempo]]s, and incorporate more melodic singing. Hanneman asserted; "We knew we couldn’t top ''Reign in Blood'', so we had to slow down. We knew whatever we did was gonna be compared to that album, and I remember we actually discussed slowing down. It was weird—we’ve never done that on an album, before or since."<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>

1988's ''[[South of Heaven]]'' received mixed responses from both fans and critics, although it was Slayer's most commercially successful release at the time, debuting at #57 on the [[Billboard 200]],<ref name="Billboard">{{cite web
|title=Artist Chart History
|publisher=Billboard.com
|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=5692&model.vnuAlbumId=789249
|accessdate=2007-03-25}}</ref> and the second album to receive gold certification in the United States.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web
|title=Recording Industry Association of America Gold & Platinum Searchable Database|publisher=[[RIAA]]|url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH|accessdate=2007-03-24}}</ref> Press response to the album was mixed, with ''[[Allmusic]]'' citing the album as "disturbing and powerful,"<ref name="South of Heaven">{{cite web|title=South ofs Heaven|author=Henderson, Alex |publisher=Allmusicguide.com|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:oaq67uy0h0jf|accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref> and ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' calling it "genuinely offensive satanic drivel."<ref name="Slayer - Album Reviews">{{cite web|title=Slayer - Album Reviews|author=Neely, Kim|publisher=[[Rolling stone]]|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/slayer/albums/album/128851/review/5943269/south_of_heaven|accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref>
King says "that album was my most lackluster performance," although Araya called it a "late bloomer" which eventually grew on people.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/>

===''Seasons in the Abyss'' (1990–1993)===
Slayer returned to the studio with co-producer [[Andy Wallace (producer)|Andy Wallace]] in 1989, to record their fifth studio album. Following the backlash created by ''South of Heaven'', Slayer returned to the "pounding speed of ''Reign in Blood''", while retaining their new found [[melodic]] sense.<ref name="AMGSeasons">{{cite web
|title=Season in the Abyss AMG album review
|author=Huey, Steve
|publisher=Allmusic
|date=
|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:obkzu3q5an5k
|accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref> ''[[Seasons in the Abyss]]'', released in October 1990, was the first Slayer album to be released under Rubin's new [[Def American]] label, as he parted ways with Def Jam owner [[Russell Simmons]] over creative differences. The album debuted at #44 on the Billboard 200,<ref name="Billboard" /> and was certified gold in 1992.<ref name="RIAA"/> The [[title track]] spawned Slayer's second music video, which was filmed in front of the [[Giza pyramid complex|Giza pyramids]] in Egypt prior to the [[Gulf War]].

Slayer returned as a live act in September 1990 to co-headline the European [[Clash of the Titans tour|''Clash of the Titans'' tour]] with [[Megadeth]], [[Suicidal Tendencies]], and [[Testament (band)|Testament]]. During the sold out European leg of this tour tickets fetched up to 1,000 Deutschmark on the black market. With the popularity of American thrash at its peak, the tour was extended to the US beginning in May 1991, with Megadeth, [[Anthrax (band)|Anthrax]] and opening act [[Alice in Chains]]. The band released a double live album, ''[[Decade of Aggression]]'' in 1991, to celebrate ten years. The compilation debuted at #55 on the Billboard 200.<ref name="Billboard"/>

In May 1992, Lombardo quit the band due to conflicts with other members, as well as arguments over his wish to bring his wife on tour.<ref name="Meet the new Slayer, same as the old Slayer'l">{{cite web|title=Meet the new Slayer, same as the old Slayer|author=Patrizio, Andy|publisher= [[IGN]]|date=[[2006-08-14]]|url=http://au.music.ign.com/articles/725/725459p1.html|accessdate =2006-12-01}}</ref> Lombardo formed his own band [[Grip Inc]], with [[Voodoocult]] guitarist [[Waldemar Sorychta]],<ref name="Waldemar Sorychta interview">{{cite web|title = Waldemar Sorychta interview| publisher=antenna.nu|url=http://www.antenna.nu/gripinc/interview1.php|accessdate =2006-01-10}}</ref> and Slayer recruited former [[Forbidden (band)|Forbidden]] drummer [[Paul Bostaph]] to fill his place.
Slayer made its debut appearance with Bostaph at the 1992 [[Monsters of Rock#1992|Monsters of Rock]] festival at [[Castle Donington]]. Bostaph's first studio effort was a medley of three [[Exploited]] songs, "War", "UK '82", and "Disorder", with rapper [[Ice T]], for the ''[[Judgment Night (film)|Judgment Night]]'' movie soundtrack in 1993.<ref name="Legendary rapper and longtime metal advocate moves on with the Body Count">{{cite web
|title=Legendary rapper and longtime metal advocate moves on with the Body Count
|author=Bennett, J
|publisher=Decibelmagazine.com
|date=
|url=http://www.decibelmagazine.com/features_detail.aspx?id=4908
|accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>

===''Divine Intervention'' (1994–1995)===
{{Sound sample box align left|Music sample:}}
{{Listen
|filename= Slayer_SS3_clip.ogg
|title="SS-3" (1994)
|description=SS-3 is about Reinhard Heydrich, an architect of the Holocaust. SS-3 refers to the license plate number of the car he was killed in.
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{sample box end}}
In 1994 Slayer released ''[[Divine Intervention (album)|Divine Intervention]]'', the band's first record with drummer Bostaph. The record became the band's highest charting at that time, debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200.<ref name="Billboard" /> The album featured songs about [[Reinhard Heydrich]], an architect of the Holocaust, and [[Jeffrey Dahmer]], of apartment number "213," where he murdered, raped, and tortured seventeen victims. Other themes included murder, the evils of church, and the lengths to which governments will go to wield power, Araya's interest in serial killers inspired much of the lyrical content.<ref name="Live Chat with Tom Araya of Slayer"/><ref name="Divine Intervention - Slayer">{{cite web
|title=Divine Intervention - Slayer
|author=Henderson, Alex
|publisher=Allmusic
|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:n7lvadsky8w6
|accessdate=2007-06-21}}</ref>
Slayer geared up for a world tour in 1995, with openers [[Biohazard (band)|Biohazard]] and [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]]. A video of concert footage, ''[[Live Intrusion]]'' was released, featuring a joint [[cover song|cover]] of [[Venom (band)|Venom's]] "Witching Hour" with Machine Head. Relations between Slayer and Machine Head have since badly deteriorated.<ref name="Machine head diary, 2004">{{cite web|title=Machine head diary, 2004|author=[[Robert Flynn]]|publisher=Machinehead1.com|date=[[2004-04-29]]|url= http://www.machinehead1.com/diary_2004.html|accessdate=2006-11-28}}</ref> Following the tour, Slayer were billed fourth at the 1995 [[Monsters of Rock]] festival, headlined by [[Metallica]].

Also in the year 1994, Kerry King had his first and only child, Shyanne Kymberlee King.

===''Undisputed Attitude'' (1996–1997)===
In 1996, ''[[Undisputed Attitude]]'', an album of [[Punk rock|punk]] [[cover version|covers]], was released. The band covered songs by [[Minor Threat]], [[TSOL|T.S.O.L.]], [[D.R.I.]], [[D.I.]], [[Verbal Abuse]], [[Dr. Know (band)|Dr. Know]] and [[The Stooges]]. The album featured three original tracks, "Gemini," "Can't Stand You," "Ddamm"; the latter two were written by Hanneman in 1984–1985 for a side project entitled Pap Smear. Bostaph left Slayer shortly after the album's release to work on his own project, The Truth about Seafood. With Bostaph's departure, Slayer recruited [[Testament (band)|Testament]] drummer [[Jon Dette]], and headlined the 1996 Ozzfest alongside [[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Danzig]], [[Biohazard (band)|Biohazard]], [[Sepultura]], and [[Fear Factory]]. Dette was fired after a year, due to a fallout with band members; Bostaph returned to continue the tour.<ref name="Jon Dette has left Slayer and is being replaced by Paul Bostaph!">{{cite web|title = Jon Dette has left Slayer and is being replaced by Paul Bostaph!|author=Hellqvist, Janek|publisher=Slaytanic.com|date=[[1997-01-27]]|url = http://www.slaytanic.com/news.html|accessdate=2006-12-10}}</ref>

A lawsuit was brought against the band in 1996, by the parents of [[Elyse Pahler]], who accused the band of encouraging their daughter's murderers through their lyrics.<ref name="The Elyse Marie Pahler Foundation, In Memory of Our Loving Daughter"/> Elyse was drugged, strangled, stabbed, trampled on, and raped as a [[sacrifice]] to the devil by three fans of the band.<ref name="The Elyse Marie Pahler Foundation, In Memory of Our Loving Daughter"/> The case was unsealed by the court on May 19, 2000, stating Slayer and related business markets distribute harmful products to teens, encouraging violent acts through their lyrics,<ref name="The Elyse Marie Pahler Foundation, In Memory of Our Loving Daughter">{{cite web|title = The Elyse Marie Pahler Foundation, In Memory of Our Loving Daughter|publisher=elysemarie.org|url=http://www.elysemarie.org/|accessdate=2006-12-10}}</ref> and "none of the vicious crimes committed against Elyse Marie Pahler would have occurred without the intentional marketing strategy of the death-metal band Slayer."<ref name="Slayer named in lawsuit">{{cite web|title=Slayer named in lawsuit|publisher=[[The Guardian]]|date =[[2001-01-24]]|url=http://www.fradical.com/slayer_named_in_lawsuit.htm|accessdate=2006-12-29}}</ref> The lawsuit was dismissed in 2001, for multiple reasons including "principles of free speech, lack of a duty and lack of foreseeability."<ref name="Slayer: Out Of The Dock"/> A second lawsuit was filed by the parents, an amended complaint for damages against Slayer, their label, and other industry and label entities. The lawsuit was dismissed; Judge E. Jeffrey Burke stated "I do not consider Slayer's music obscene, indecent or harmful to minors."<ref name="Slayer: Out Of The Dock">{{cite web|title=Slayer: Out Of The Dock|publisher=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=[[2001-10-31]]|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/article/?id=39564|accessdate=2006-10-15}}</ref>

===''Diabolus in Musica'' (1998–2000)===
''[[Diabolus in Musica]]'' (Latin for "The Devil in Music")<ref name="Diabolus in Musica, The Tritone of Musick">{{cite web|title = Diabolus in Musica, The Tritone of Musick|author=Cherubim, David|publisher = Thelemicmusick.net|url= http://thelemicmusick.net/davidcherubim/tritone.htm|accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref> was released in 1998, and debuted at #31 on the Billboard 200, selling over 46,000 copies.<ref name="Slayer: 'Christ Illusion' Lands At No. 5 On BILLBOARD Chart!">{{cite web|title = Slayer: 'Christ Illusion' lands at No. 5 on Billboard chart!|publisher = Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2006-08-16]]|url= http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=56559|accessdate=2006-01-10}}</ref>
The album received a mixed critical reception and was criticized for adopting characteristics of [[nu metal]] music such as tuned down guitars, murky chord structures, and churning beats. ''Blabbermouth.net'' reviewer Borijov Krgin described the album as "a feeble attempt at incorporating updated elements into the group's sound, the presence of which elevated the band's efforts somewhat and offered hope that Slayer could refrain from endlessly rehashing their previous material for their future output,"<ref name="Blabbermouth Review">{{cite web
|title= Slayer God Hates Us All (American) |author=Krgin, Borivoj |publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=50|accessdate=2007-05-29}}</ref> while ''[[New York Time]]'''s Ben Ratliff had similar sentiments by saying "eight of the 11 songs on ''Diabolus in Musica,'' a few of which were played at the show, are in the same gray key."<ref name="NYTReview">{{cite news | last = Ratliff| first = Ben| title =New CDs| work =| pages =| publisher = New York Times | date = 1998-06-22 | url =|accessdate=}}</ref>

The album was the band's first with dropped tuning, as featured on the lead track, "Bitter Peace,"({{audio| Slayer_Bitter_Peace.ogg|sample}}) making use of the musical interval referred to in the Middle Ages as the [[tritone]] or Devil's scale.<ref name="The Devil's Music">{{cite web|title=The Devil's Music|author=Rohrer, Finlo|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=[[2006-05-28]]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4952646.stm|accessdate=2006-01-22}}</ref> Slayer teamed up with [[digital hardcore]] group [[Atari Teenage Riot]] to record a song for the ''[[Spawn (film)|Spawn]]'' soundtrack titled "No Remorse (I Wanna Die)." The band later paid tribute to [[Black Sabbath]] by recording a cover of "Hand of Doom" for the second of two tribute albums, entitled ''[[Nativity in Black II]].'' A world tour followed to support the new album, with Slayer making an appearance at the United Kingdom [[Ozzfest#Ozzfest 1998|Ozzfest 1998]] alongside [[Black Sabbath]], [[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Foo Fighters]], [[Pantera]], [[Soulfly]], [[Fear Factory]], and [[Therapy?]].

===''God Hates Us All'' (2001–2005)===
After delays regarding remixing and artwork,<ref name="Slayer Nails Down Release Date For 'God'">{{cite web|title=Slayer Nails Down Release Date For 'God'|author=Weiss, Neal|publisher=[[Yahoo Music]]|date=[[2001-06-07]]|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12056099|accessdate =2006-12-26}}</ref> including slip covers created to cover the original artwork as it was deemed "too graphic," ''[[God Hates Us All]]'' was released on [[September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11, 2001]]. The band received its first [[Grammy]] nomination for the lead track "Disciple," although the Grammy was awarded to [[Tool (band)|Tool]], for "Schism."<ref name=" 44th Grammy Awards - 2002">{{cite web|title=44th Grammy Awards - 2002|publisher=Rockonthenet.com|date=[[2002-02-27]]|url =http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/2002/grammys.htm|accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref>
The September 11th attack on America jeopardized the 2001 European tour ''Tattoo the Planet'' originally set to feature [[Pantera]], [[Static X]], [[Biohazard (band)|Biohazard]] and [[Vision of Disorder]]. Dates were canceled or postponed due to flight restrictions, with a majority of bands deciding to withdraw, leaving Slayer and Static X remaining for the European leg of the tour.<ref name="Tattoo The Planet Officially Postponed">{{cite web|title=Tattoo The Planet officially postponed|publisher=[[Kerrang!]]|date=[[2001-10-13]]|url=http://www.kerrang.com/nav?page=kerrang.reviews.artist.news&fixture_news=111046&resource=111046&fixture_artist=149178|accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref>
Pantera, Vision of Disorder and Biohazard were replaced by [[Cradle of Filth]] and other bands dependent on location; [[Amorphis]], [[In Flames]], [[Moonspell]], [[Children of Bodom]], and [[Necrodeath]]. The Birmingham, England date on the tour though only featured Slayer, Biohazard, Cradle of Filth and Raging Speedhorn due to Static X pulling out over previous commitments, instead playing their scheduled dates in Germany. Drummer Bostaph left Slayer before Christmas in 2001, due to a chronic elbow injury which would hinder his ability to play.<ref name=Slayer:>{{cite web|title=Slayer: Lombardo's back!|publisher = [[Kerrang!]]|date=[[2002-01-03]]|url=http://www.kerrang.com/nav?page=kerrang.reviews.artist.news&fixture_news=111297&resource=111297&fixture_artist=149178|accessdate=2006-12-02}}</ref> Slayer's "God Hates Us All" tour was unfinished so King contacted original drummer Lombardo, and asked if he would like to finish the remainder of the tour. Lombardo accepted the offer, and stayed as a permanent member.<ref name=Slayer:/>

Slayer toured playing ''[[Reign in Blood]]'' in its entirety throughout the fall of 2003, under the tour banner "Still Reigning". Their playing of the final song "[[Raining Blood]]" culminated with the band drenched in a rain of stage blood. Live footage of this was recorded at the Augusta Civic Center in [[Augusta, Maine]], on July 11, 2004 and released on the 2004 DVD ''[[Still Reigning]]''. The band also released ''[[War at the Warfield]]'' and a box set, ''[[Soundtrack to the Apocalypse]]'' featuring rarities, live CD and DVD performances and various Slayer paraphernalia.

From 2002 to 2004 the band performed over 250 tour dates, headlining major music festivals including H82k2, Summer tour, [[Ozzfest#2004:|Ozzfest 2004]], the [[Download Festival]] and a European tour with [[Slipknot (band)|Slipknot]]. While preparing for the Download Festival in England, [[Metallica]] drummer [[Lars Ulrich]] was rushed to hospital with a mysterious illness, and was unable to perform.<ref name="Metallica's Lars Ulrich Hospitalized In Switzerland, Misses Show"/> Metallica vocalist [[James Hetfield]] searched for volunteers at the last minute to replace Ulrich; Lombardo and Slipknot drummer [[Joey Jordison]] volunteered, with Lombardo performing the songs "[[Battery (song)|Battery]]" and "[[The Four Horsemen (song)|The Four Horsemen]]".<ref name="Metallica's Lars Ulrich Hospitalized In Switzerland, Misses Show">{{cite web|title=Metallica's Lars Ulrich Hospitalized In Switzerland, Misses Show|publisher=[[Yahoo Music]]|date=[[2004-06-07]]|url=http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/12054238|accessdate=2006-12-09}}</ref>

===''Christ Illusion'' (2006–present)===
The album ''[[Christ Illusion]]'' was originally scheduled for release on June 6, 2006, and would be the first album with original drummer Lombardo since 1990's ''Seasons in the Abyss''.<ref name="KingUltimateGuitar">{{cite web|title=Slayer's Kerry King: The Art Of Writing Songs That Nobody Else Can Write|author=Matera, Joe|publisher=UltimateGuitar.com|date=[[2006-08-04]]|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/slayers_kerry_king_the_art_of_writing_songs_that_nobody_else_can_write.html?200608041041|accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> However, the band decided to delay the release of the record as they did not want to be among the many, according to King, "half-ass, stupid fucking loser bands" releasing records on June 6,<ref name="Slayer Recount VENOM 'Pissing' Incident">{{cite web|title=Slayer Recount Venom 'Pissing' incident|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2006-06-25]]|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=54174|accessdate=2006-01-16}}</ref> although ''[[USA Today]]'' reported the idea was thwarted because the band failed to secure sufficient studio recording time.<ref name="Petrecca">{{cite web
| title = Marketers hope 666 will be their lucky number
| author = Petrecca, Laura
| publisher = USAToday.com
| date = [[2006-06-02]]
| url = http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2006-05-31-omen-marketing-usat_x.htm
| accessdate = 2007-02-22 }}</ref> Instead, Slayer released ''[[Eternal Pyre]]'' on June 6 as a limited-edition [[extended play|EP]]. ''Eternal Pyre'' featured the song "Cult," a live performance of "War Ensemble" in Germany, video footage of the band recording "Cult," and a five minute video of a Slayer fan carving the band's name onto his forearm. Five thousand copies were released and sold exclusively through [[Hot Topic]] chain stores, and sold out within hours of release.<ref name="'Eternal Pyre">{{cite web|title=Eternal Pyre|publisher = Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2006-06-17]]|url= http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53810|accessdate=2006-12-01}}</ref> On June 30, [[Nuclear Blast Records]] released a 7" vinyl picture disc version limited to a thousand copies.<ref name="Slayer: 'Eternal Pyre' 7 Vinyl Picture-Disc Single To Be Released This Month">{{cite web
| title = Slayer: 'Eternal Pyre' 7" Vinyl Picture-Disc Single To Be Released This Month
| author =
| publisher = Blabbermouth.net
| date = [[2006-06-27]]
| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=53810
| accessdate = 2007-02-15 }}</ref>

''Christ Illusion'' was released on August 8, 2006, and debuted at #5 on the [[Billboard Top 200|Billboard 200]], selling over 62,000 copies in its first week.<ref name="Slayer's 'Christ Illusion' Is Band's Highest-Ever Billboard Chart Debut Entering at #5">{{cite web|title=Slayer's "Christ Illusion" Is Band's Highest-Ever Billboard Chart Debut Entering at #5|publisher=[[Yahoo]]|date=[[2006-08-16]]|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/060816/0154755.html|accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref> The album became Slayer's highest charting, improving on its previous highest charting album, ''Divine Intervention,'' which had debuted at #8. However, despite its high positioning, the album dropped to #44 in the following week.<ref name="Metal, Rock and Alternative Music Doing Well In Billboard">{{cite web|title=Metal, Rock and Alternative Music Doing Well In Billboard|publisher=Metalunderground.com|date=[[2006-08-23]]|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=21264|accessdate=2006-11-25}}</ref> Three weeks after the album's release Slayer were inducted into the [[Kerrang!]] Hall of Fame for their influence to the heavy metal scene.<ref name="Lostprophets scoop rock honours">{{cite web|title= Lostprophets scoop rock honours|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=[[2006-08-25]]|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/5282780.stm|accessdate=2006-12-10}}</ref>

[[Image:Slayerlive2.jpg|thumb|right|Slayer performing at The Reading Festival in 2006]]
A worldwide tour dubbed ''[[The Unholy Alliance (tour)|The Unholy Alliance]]'', was undertaken to support the new record. The tour was originally set to launch on June 6, but was postponed to June 10, as Araya had to undergo [[gall bladder]] surgery.<ref name="Slayer Frontman Undergoes Gallbladder Surgery, Band Reschedule Early 'Unholy Alliance' Dates">{{cite web|title = Slayer frontman undergoes gallbladder surgery, Band Reschedule Early 'Unholy Alliance' Dates
|publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|date=[[2006-05-10]]
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=52111
|accessdate=2006-12-09}}</ref> [[In Flames]], [[Mastodon (band)|Mastodon]], [[Children of Bodom]], [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], and [[Thine Eyes Bleed]] (featuring Araya's brother, [[Johnny Araya|Johnny]]) were supporting Slayer.<ref name="Slayer's 'Unholy Alliance' tour grows">{{cite web|title = Slayer's 'Unholy Alliance' tour grows|author =Zahlaway, Jon |publisher =Livedaily.com|date=[[2006-03-31]]|url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/Slayers_Unholy_Alliance_tour_grows-9852.html?t=1|accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref> The tour made its way through America and Europe and the bands who participated, apart from Thine Eyes Bleed, reunited to perform at [[Japan|Japan's]] Loud Park Festival on October 15, 2006.<ref name="Loud Park 2006 Unholy Alliance Stage">{{cite web|title=Loud Park 2006 Unholy Alliance Stage|publisher=Loudpark.com|date=[[2006-09-04]]|url=http://www.loudpark.com/artist.html|accessdate=2006-12-24}}</ref>

The video for the album's first single, "[[Eyes of the Insane]]," was released on October 30, 2006.<ref name="Eyes_of_the_Insane">{{cite web|title = Slayer release video for "Eyes Of the Insane"|publisher=Punknews.org|date=[[2006-10-30]]|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/20607|accessdate=2006-12-02}}</ref> The track was featured on the ''[[Saw III]]'' soundtrack, and won a Grammy-award for "[[Best Metal Performance]]" at the 49th Grammy Awards, although the band were unable to attend due to touring obligations.<ref name="Slayer Wins GRAMMY In 'Best Metal Performance' Category ">{{cite web|title =Slayer wins Grammy in 'Best Metal Performance' Category|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2007-02-11]]|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66845|accessdate=2007-02-12}}</ref> A week later, the band visited the 52nd Services Squadron located on the Spangdahlem U.S. Air Force Base in Germany to meet and play a show. This was the first visit ever to a military base for the band.<ref name="Slayer To Visit U.S. Troops; U.S">{{cite web|title=Slayer To Visit U.S. Troops; U.S|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2006-10-31]]|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=61345|accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref> The band made its first [[network TV]] appearance on the show ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]'' on January 19, playing the song "Eyes of the Insane," and four additional songs for fans after the show (although footage from "[[Jihad (song)|Jihad]]" was cut due to its controversial lyrical themes).<ref name="Slayer On 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!': 'Eyes Of The Insane' Performance Posted Online">{{cite web
|title= Slayer on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!': 'Eyes Of The Insane' performance posted online|publisher= Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2007-01-20]]
|url= http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=65652
|accessdate= 2007-02-28}}</ref> Slayer toured Australia and New Zealand in April with Mastodon, and appeared at the [[Download Festival]], [[Rock Am Ring]],<ref name="Slayer, MARILYN MANSON, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Confirmed For U.K.'s DOWNLOAD Festival">{{cite web|title = Slayer, Marilyn Manson, Killswitch Engage confirmed For UK's Download Festival|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2007-02-13]]|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66979|accessdate=2007-02-16}}</ref> and a Summer tour with [[Marilyn Manson (band)|Marilyn Manson]] and [[Bleeding Through]].<ref name="SMASHING PUMPKINS, MARILYN MANSON, Slayer Confirmed For Switzerland's GREENFIELD FESTIVAL">{{cite web|title=Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson, Slayer Confirmed For Switzerland's Greenfield Festival|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2007-02-06]]|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66565|accessdate =2007-02-16}}</ref>

The band released a special edition of ''[[Christ Illusion]]'', which featured new cover art and bonus track, "Final Six," which was given a [[Grammy Award]] for "Best Metal Performance." This is the band's second consecutive award in that category. In interviews with Thrash Hits and ''Worcester'' magazine, Araya states uncertainty with the future of the band<ref>{{cite web
|url= http://www.thrashhits.com/2008/07/slayer-reign-of-fear/
|title= Slayer: Reign of Fear
|accessdate= 2008-07-18
|author= McIver, Joel
|authorlink= Joel McIver
|date= 2008-07-18
|work= Interview with Tom Araya
|publisher= Thrash Hits
|quote=
}}</ref>, and that he could not see himself continuing the career at a later age. Araya also stated that when the band finished their next album, which will be the final record in their contract, the band would have to "sit down and discuss the future."<ref name="LastofSlayer">{{cite web
| title = End of Slayer?
| author =
| publisher = ultimate-guitar
| date = [[2007-08-07]]
| url = http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/the_end_of_slayer.html
| accessdate = 2007-08-08 }}</ref> In an interview with Yebo TV, Hanneman stated he has begun writing three songs for the next album.<ref name="JEFF HANNEMAN Says He Has 'Three Songs Started' For Next Slayer Album">{{cite web
|title= Jeff Hanneman Says He Has 'Three Songs Started' For Next Slayer Album
|author=
|publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|date=[[2007-08-14]]
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=78734
|accessdate=2007-08-19}}</ref> Author [[Joel McIver]] has completed a 400-page hardback Slayer biography titled ''The Bloody Reign of Slayer'', which was made available on June 9, 2008.<ref name="http://www.joelmciver.co.uk/">{{cite web
|title=Joel McIver homepage
|author=McIver, Joel
|publisher=joelmciver.co.uk
|url=http://www.joelmciver.co.uk/
|accessdate=2007-11-02}}</ref> Slayer, along with Trivium, Mastodon, and [[Amon Amarth]], will team up for a European tour titled The Unholy Alliance: Chapter III, throughout October and November of 2008.<ref name="'The Unholy Alliance: Chapter III' UK Dates Added">{{cite web
|title='The Unholy Alliance: Chapter III' UK Dates Added
|author=
|publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|date=[[2008-06-11]]
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=98808
|accessdate=2008-06-12}}</ref>

==Style==

Early works were praised for their "breakneck speed and instrumental prowess," combining the structure of [[hardcore punk|hardcore]] tempos and [[speed metal]] the band released fast, aggressive material.<ref name="Allmusic Biography of Slayer"/> The album ''Reign in Blood'' is the band's fastest, performed at an average of 250 [[beats per minute]]. Even now, very few bands can approach this speed.<ref name="Andrew Haug speaks with Dave Lombardo from Slayer">{{cite web
|title=Andrew Haug speaks with Dave Lombardo from Slayer
|author=Haug, Andrew
|publisher=Abc.net.au
|date=[[2006-10-13]]
|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/racket/listen/audio_alpha_S.htm
|accessdate=2007-02-09}}</ref> The album ''[[Diabolus in Musica]]'' was the band's first with [[drop D tuning]], ''[[God Hates Us All]]'' the first with C# tuning.<ref name="SlayerBIOGRAPHY">{{cite web|title=Slayer - Biography|publisher=hardcoresounds.net|url=http://www.hardcoresounds.net/modules.php?name=Band_List&file=viewer&func=356|accessdate=2006-01-19}}</ref> ''[[Allmusic]]'' cited the album as "abandoning the extravagancies and accessibility of their late-'80s/early-'90s work and returning to perfect the raw approach",<ref name="Slayer - God Hates us all">{{cite web|title=Slayer - God Hates us all|author=Birchmeier, Jason|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:4oj4eaw54xs7|accessdate=2006-01-18}}</ref> with some fans labeling it [[nu metal]].<ref name=" Paul Bostaph of Exodus, ex-Slayer">{{cite web |title= Paul Bostaph of Exodus, ex-Slayer |author=Syrjälä, Marko |publisher=Metal-Rules.com |date=[[2007-02-05]] |url=http://www.metal-rules.com/zine/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=797&Itemid=60
|accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref>

Hanneman’s and King’s dual [[guitar solos]] have been called "wildly chaotic,"<ref name="Allmusic Biography of Slayer"/> and "twisted genius."<ref name="Slayer - Reign in Blood">{{cite web|title=Slayer - Reign in Blood|author=Horatio|publisher=Kickedintheface.com|url=http://www.kickedintheface.com/reviews/Slayer-Reign_In_Blood.htm|accessdate=2006-01-18}}</ref> Drummer Lombardo uses two bass drums, instead of the [[Double-bass drum#Double bass|double kick]] which is used on a single bass drum. Lombardo's speed and aggression earned him the title of the “godfather of double bass” by Drummerworld.<ref name="Drummerworld - Dave Lombardo">{{cite web|title=Drummerworld - Dave Lombardo|publisher=Drummerworld.com|url=http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Dave_Lombardo.html|accessdate =2007-01-30}}</ref> Lombardo states his reasons for using two bass drums: "When you hit the bass drum the head is still resonating. When you hit it in the same place right after that you kinda get a 'slapback' from the bass drum head hitting the other pedal. You're not letting them breathe." When playing the double bass Lombardo uses the "heel-up" technique.<ref>Dave Lombardo Modern Drummer Festival 2000</ref>
===Influence===
Slayer is credited as one of the "Big four" thrash metal bands along with [[Megadeth]], [[Anthrax (band)|Anthrax]] and [[Metallica]], all of which rose to fame in the early 1980s.<ref name="Allmusic Biography of Slayer"/> Among these bands, Slayer represent the most extreme solution and they have had a great influence on [[thrash metal|thrash]] and [[death metal]] scenes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rateyourmusic.com/list/Jarlaxle73/most_influential_artists_for_extreme_metal_music/ |title=Most influential artists for extreme metal music |accessdate= |accessmonthday= |accessdaymonth= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=[[Rate Your Music]] |pages= |language= |doi= |archiveurl= |archivedate= |quote= }}</ref> Many groups of these genres made many tribute discs in their honour, like ''Slatanic Slaughter 1 & 2'' and ''Gateway to Hell''. Slayer seems to have influenced also on many modern [[hardcore punk]] bands. Many of them made a tribute called ''"Covered in Blood"'', which contain covers of all ''[[Reign in Blood]]'' songs. "Their downtuned rhythms, infectious guitar licks, graphically violent lyrics and grisly artwork set the standard for dozens of emerging thrash bands." and "Slayer's music was directly responsible for the rise of death metal" states [[MTV]], ranking Slayer as the sixth "greatest metal band of all time,"<ref name="Why They Rule - #6 Slayer">{{cite web|title=Why They Rule - #6 Slayer|publisher=[[MTV]]|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index7.jhtml|accessdate =2006-01-18}}</ref> also ranking number 50 on [[VH1]]'s ''100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock''.<ref name="The Greatest: 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock">{{cite web|title=The Greatest: 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock|publisher=VH1.com|url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62186/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/shows/dynamic/includes/wildcards/the_greatest/hardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862767&start=41|accessdate=2007-03-19}}</ref>
Hanneman and King ranked number 10 in [[Guitar World]]'s "100 greatest metal guitarists of all time" in 2004,<ref name="GUITAR WORLD's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time">{{cite web
| title = Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists Of All Time|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2004-01-23]]| url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18446| accessdate=2006-01-18}}</ref> and were voted "Best Guitarist/Guitar Team" in [[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver's]] reader's poll. Lombardo was also voted "Best Drummer" and the band entered the top five in the categories "Best Band Ever," "Best Live Band," "Album of the Year" (for ''Christ Illusion''), and "Band of the Year."<ref name="The fans have spoken: Slayer comes out on top in readers' polls">{{cite web
|title=The fans have spoken: Slayer comes out on top in readers' polls
|author=
|publisher=Blabbermouth.net
|date=[[2007-03-01]]
|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=68001
|accessdate=2007-03-16}}</ref>

The band's 1986 release, ''Reign in Blood'' has been an influence to extreme and thrash metal bands since its release. The album was hailed the "heaviest album of all time" by ''[[Kerrang!]] Magazine'',<ref name="Kerrang! Hall Of Fame"/> a "genre-definer" by ''[[Stylus Magazine]]'',<ref name="Slayer">{{cite web|title=Slayer|author=Jarvis, Clay|publisher=[[Stylus Magazine]]|date=[[2003-09-01]]|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/slayer/reign-in-blood.htm|accessdate=2006-01-19}}</ref> and a "stone-cold classic upon its release" by ''[[Allmusic]]''.<ref name="Reign in Blood">{{cite web|title=Reign in Blood|author=Huey, Steve|publisher=Allmusic|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:oaq67ub0h0jf|accessdate=2006-12-01}}</ref> In 2006 it was named the best metal album of the last 20 years by ''[[Metal Hammer]]''.<ref name="Golden Gods Awards Winners">{{cite web|title=Golden Gods Awards Winners|publisher=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=[[2006-06-13]]|url=http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/article/?id=44410|accessdate=2007-01-10}}</ref> [[Richard Christy]], former member of [[Death (band)|Death]] was blown away by Dave's performance on the album ''Reign in Blood'',<ref name="A Conversation With Richard Christy">{{cite web|title= A Conversation With Richard Christy|author= Bowar, Chad|publisher= about.com|url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/richardchristy_3.htm
|accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> as was [[Cannibal Corpse]] drummer [[Paul Mazurkiewicz]].<ref name="Interview With Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse">{{cite web|title=Interview With Paul Mazurkiewicz of Cannibal Corpse|author=L. Wilson, David|publisher=Metal-Rules.com|date=[[1998-12-13]]|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/interviews/cannibal.htm
|accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref>

Drummer Lombardo has been an influence on many modern metal drummers including [[Raymond Herrera|Ray Herrera]] of [[Fear Factory]],<ref name="Fear Factory screams through the U.S. on Machines At War Tour">{{cite web|title=Fear Factory screams through the U.S. on Machines At War Tour|author= Wolf, DC |publisher= Tuftsdaily.com|date=[[2006-11-16]]|url= http://media.www.tuftsdaily.com/media/storage/paper856/news/2006/11/16/Weekender/Weekender.Interview.Fear.Factory-2463687.shtml
|accessdate= 2007-02-22}}</ref> [[Pete Sandoval]] of [[Morbid Angel]],<ref name="MORBID ANGEL interview">{{cite web|title= Morbid Angel interview|author= Cortez, Rick |publisher=Voicesfromthedarkside.de |url= http://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/|accessdate= 2007-02-22}}</ref> [[Bård Faust]] (ex [[Emperor]] and now of [[Blood Tsunami]])<ref>[http://www.bard-faust.com/bio.htm http://www.bard-faust.com/bio.htm]</ref> former [[Cradle of Filth]] drummer [[Adrian Erlandsson]],<ref name=" INTERVIEW WITH ADRIAN ERLANDSSON">{{cite web|title= Interview with ADrian Erlandsson|author=Tobin, Dan|publisher= Earache.com|url= http://www.earache.com/WickedWorld/interview/cradle_of_filth/cradle_of_filth.html
|accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> and [[Krisiun]] drummer [[Max Kolesne]].<ref name="Krisiun">{{cite web|title= Krisiun|author= German, Eric|publisher=Metalupdate.com|url=http://www.metalupdate.com/interviewkrisiun.html|accessdate= 2007-02-22}}</ref> Patrick Grün of [[Caliban (band)|Caliban]]'s inspiration to play drums came from Lombardo,<ref name="Caliban - Living The Dream">{{cite web|title=Caliban - Living The Dream|author=Day, Tom|publisher=MusicOHM.com|url=http://www.musicomh.com/interviews/caliban.htm|accessdate=2007-02-22}}</ref> with [[Jason Bittner]] of [[Shadows Fall]] inspired by Lombardo's double bass, utilizing double bass when starting his own music career.<ref name=" Proving Speed, Power, And Musicality Can Go Hand In Hand">{{cite web|title= Proving Speed, Power, And Musicality Can Go Hand In Hand|author= Haid, Mark |publisher= Moderndrummer.com|url= http://www.moderndrummer.com/updatefull/200001128|accessdate= 2007-02-23}}</ref>

==Writing lyrics and music==
Hanneman, King and Araya contribute to the band's lyrics, and Lombardo, King and Hanneman create the music, with assistance from Araya.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman"/> Araya's first contribution to lyrical content was 1988's ''South of Heaven'', forming a lyric writing partnership with Hanneman, which can overshadow the creative input of King.<ref name="An exclusive oral history of Slayer"/> Hanneman states writing lyrics and music is a "free for all"; "It’s all just whoever comes up with what. Sometimes I’ll be more on a roll and I’ll have more stuff, same with Kerry — it’s whoever's hot, really. Anybody can write anything; if it’s good we use it, if not we don’t."<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web|title=Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman|author=Davis, Brian|publisher=Knac.com|url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=3153|accessdate =2006-12-13}}</ref>

When writing new material, the band writes the music before incorporating lyrics. King or Hanneman will use a [[Multitrack recording|24-track]] and [[drum machine]] to show band members the riff they have created, and to get their opinion. Either King, Hanneman or Lombardo will mention if any alterations can be made. The band will play the riff to get the basic song structure, and figure out where the lyrics and solos will be placed.<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman"/>

Hanneman, King and Araya tend to have different lyrical influences. Hanneman's lyrics deal with Nazis and similar topics. King's lyrics are generally just very anti-religious. Araya's lyrics usually deal with less controversial topics than Hanneman and King such as serial killers and warfare.

==Controversy==
Slayer has been accused of holding [[Nazism|Nazi]] sympathies, due to the band's eagle logo bearing resemblance to the [[Eagle atop swastika]], and the lyrics of "[[Angel of Death (song)|Angel of Death]]."<ref name="Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist?">{{cite web|title=Kerry King: Maniac. Guitar Legend. Botanist?|author = Hess, Mike|publisher=Nighttimes.com|date=[[2003-07-23]]|url=http://www.nighttimes.com/nt_main.asp?aID=388|accessdate=2006-12-10}}</ref> The lyrics of "Angel of Death" were inspired by the acts of [[Josef Mengele]],<ref name="Knac.com interview with Jeff Hanneman">{{cite web|title=Interview with Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman|author=Steffens, Charlie|publisher=Knac.com|date=[[2006-05-30]]|url=http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4653|accessdate=2006-12-10}}</ref> the doctor who conducted [[human experiments]] on [[Jew]]ish and [[Gypsy]] prisoners during [[World War II]] at the [[Auschwitz concentration camp]], and was dubbed the "Angel of Death" by inmates.<ref name="moreorless : heroes & killers of the 20th century - Josef Mengele">{{cite web|title=moreorless : heroes & killers of the 20th century - Josef Mengele|publisher=Moreorless.com|date=[[2001-04-30]]|url=http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/mengele.html|accessdate=2006-12-01}}</ref> Throughout their career, the band members were asked about these accusations, and have stated numerous times they do not condone Nazism and are merely interested in the subject.<ref name="Slayer’s Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids">{{cite web|title=Slayers Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids|author=Cummins, Johnson|publisher=MontrealMirror.com|url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2002/012402/music1.html|accessdate=2006-12-02}}</ref>

Slayer's cover of [[Minor Threat|Minor Threat's]] "Guilty of Being White" raised questions about a possible message of [[white supremacy]] in the band's music. The controversy surrounding the cover involved the changing of the refrain "guilty of being white" to "guilty of being right," at the song's ending. This incensed Minor Threat frontman [[Ian MacKaye]], who stated "that is so offensive to me."<ref>Blush, Steven ''American Hardcore: A Tribal History by Steven Blush'' (New York: Feral House, 2001), "Guilty of Being White," in an interview with Ian MacKaye, 30–31.</ref> King said it was changed for "tongue-in-cheek" humor as he thought the racism at the time was "ridiculous."<ref>http://www.toazted.com/interview/100/Slayer.html</ref>

In a 2004 interview with Araya, when asked, "Did critics realize you were wallowing in parody?", Araya replied, "No. People thought we were serious!...back then you had that [[PMRC]], who literally took everything to heart, when in actuality you're trying to create an image. You're trying to scare people on purpose."<ref name="Westword interview with Tom Araya">{{cite web|title=Westword interview with Tom Araya|author=La Briola, John|publisher=Westword.com|date=[[2004-07-22]]|url=http://www.westword.com/2004-07-22/music/slay-ride/|accessdate=2006-12-07}}</ref> Araya also denied rumors that Slayer members are [[Satanists]], but they find the subject of Satanism interesting and "we are all on this planet to learn and experience."<ref name="Slayer’s Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids">{{cite web|title=Slayers Tom Araya on Satanism, serial killers and his lovable kids|author=Cummins, Johnson |publisher=MontrealMirror.com|url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2002/012402/music1.html|accessdate=2006-12-02}}</ref>
[[Image:Slayer - Christ Illusion.jpg|thumb|right|The cover of ''Christ Illusion'' depicted [[Jesus]] [[mutilation|mutilated]] in a sea of [[blood]]. The artwork was deemed too graphic and offensive toward [[Christianity|Christian]] groups in India which resulted in protests, and as a result EMI India banned the album and destroyed all stock.]]

The song "[[Jihad (song)|Jihad]]" of the album ''Christ Illusion'' sparked controversy among families of the September 11 victims.<ref name="Slayer SPARK 9/11 CONTROVERSY">{{cite web|title=Slayer spark 9/11 Controversy|publisher = Contactmusic.com|date=[[2006-05-26]]|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/slayer%20spark%20911%20controversy_26_05_2006|accessdate=2006-11-29}}</ref> The song deals with the attack from the perspective of a religious terrorist. The band stated the song is spoken through perspective without being sympathetic to the cause, and supports neither side.<ref name="Slayer SPARK 9/11 CONTROVERSY"/> Seventeen bus benches promoting the album in [[Fullerton, California]] were deemed offensive by city officials. They felt the Antichrist and skull were inappropriate, and felt the name "Slayer" pertains to a murderer. City officials contacted the band's record label and demanded that the ads be removed.<ref name="Exclusive: City Of Fullerton Demands That Slayer Bus Benches Be Removed ">{{cite web|title=Exclusive: City Of Fullerton demands that Slayer bus benches be removed|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2006-08-01]]|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=55902|accessdate=2006-01-17}}</ref> All seventeen benches were removed.<ref name="Slayer 'Christ Illusion' Bus Benches Removed From Fullerton">{{cite web|title=Slayer 'Christ Illusion' bus benches removed from Fullerton|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|date=[[2006-08-08]]|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=56141|accessdate=2006-01-17}}</ref>

In India, the album was recalled by [[EMI]] India after protests with [[Christian]] religious groups due to the nature of the graphic artwork. The album cover was designed by Slayer's longtime collaborator [[Larry Carroll (artist)|Larry Carroll]] and features Christ in a "sea of despair", while having amputated arms, missing an eye, while standing in a sea of blood with severed heads.<ref name="EMI">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6039976.stm|title=India bans 'offensive' rock album|date=[[2006-10-11]]|accessdate=2006-10-11|publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> Joseph Dias of the Mumbai Christian group ''Catholic Secular Forum'' in India took "strong exception" to the original album artwork, and issued a memorandum to Mumbai's police commissioner in protest.<ref name="IllusionRecalled">{{cite web
| title = Slayer's 'Christ Illusion' Album Recalled Following Christian Group Protests
| author =
| publisher = Blabbermouth.net
| date = [[2006-10-06]]
| url = http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=59883
| accessdate = 2007-02-22 }}</ref> On October 11, 2006 EMI announced that all stocks had been destroyed, noting it had no plans to re-release the record in India in the future.<ref name="EMI" />

"I know that Tom and Dave both are religious people. Just goes to show you that grown people can be in the same band and have very different views." <ref>[http://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=24837 Interviews - Slayer Axeman Kerry King Interviewed ( Metal Underground . com )<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

==Members==
{{details|Slayer band members}}
*[[Tom Araya]] – bass, lead vocals (1981–present)
*[[Jeff Hanneman]] – guitars (1981–present)
*[[Kerry King]] – guitars (1981–present)
*[[Dave Lombardo]] – drums (1981–1986, 1987–1992, 2002–present)

===Former members===
*[[Tony Scaglione]] – drums (1986–1987)
*[[Paul Bostaph]] – drums (1992–1996, 1997–2001)
*[[Jon Dette]] – drums (1996–1997)

==Discography==
{{main|Slayer discography}}

*1983: ''[[Show No Mercy]]''
*1985: ''[[Hell Awaits]]''
*1986: ''[[Reign in Blood]]''
*1988: ''[[South of Heaven]]''
*1990: ''[[Seasons in the Abyss]]''
*1994: ''[[Divine Intervention (album)|Divine Intervention]]''
*1996: ''[[Undisputed Attitude]]''
*1998: ''[[Diabolus in Musica]]''
*2001: ''[[God Hates Us All]]''
*2006: ''[[Christ Illusion]]''

==References==
{{reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=5495231 It's All Politics] - Ken Rudin's weekly podcast with [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1930203 Ron Elving].
{{commons|Slayer}}
*[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1930201 The Political Junkie] - Ken Rudin's Political Column and segment on Talk of the nation.
*[http://www.slayer.net/ Official Slayer website]
*[http://www.npr.org/about/nextgen/internedition/fall06/ Intern Edition] - NPR's intern website.
*{{MySpace|Slayer|Slayer}}
*[http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/bio/index.jsp?&cr=artist&or=ASCENDING&sf=length&pid=5692&kw=Slayer Slayer] at [[Billboard]]

{{Slayer}}

{{featured article}}


== References ==
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[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1981]]
[[Category:Slayer]]
[[Category:Thrash metal musical groups]]
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[[Category:Los Angeles musical groups]]
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Revision as of 03:17, 11 October 2008

Ken Rudin is NPR's political editor, and is involved with any political news on a variety of NPR programs. Rudin also cohosts a segment called The Political Junkie on the NPR program Talk of the Nation and writes a column of the same name for npr.org[1].

Childhood

Rudin was born November 13, 1950. Rudin grew up in New York City and in his teen age years he moved to Fort Lee, New Jersey. His early childhood was spent in The Bronx where he lived only a few blocks away from Yankee Stadium. He moved to New Jersey as an adolescent but remains a die hard Yankees fan.

Trivia

During the 1960s, Rudin began collecting campaign buttons, he now has a collection of more 70,000 campaign items[2]. Ken is also a crazed music lover who has been making mixtapes since 1975. [3] These tapes will have anything on them from CBS Radio election coverage, to The Beach Boys, to Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto, to Sufjan Stevens, to Lou Dobbs, to Buffalo Springfield and pretty much anything and everything in between. He was Color War General at Camp Lokanda in 1974 and 1975[4].

During the 2008 presidential primary campaign, Rudin attracted criticism for comparing Senator Hillary Clinton with Glenn Close's character Alex Forrest in the movie Fatal Attraction during an appearance on CNN's Sunday Morning. Of Senator Clinton, he said, like Ms Close, "she’s going to keep coming back, and they’re not going to stop her." In response to this Rudin featured in the Worst Persons In The World segment on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Mr. Rudin later apologized.[5]

External links

References

  1. ^ Ken Rudin, NPR Biography
  2. ^ Ken Rudin Biography
  3. ^ mixed signals
  4. ^ Online Column
  5. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/us/politics/13women.html Media Charged With Sexism in Clinton coverage, New York Times, 13 June 2008
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