About Kerry King

Kerry King was born June 3, 1964 in Los Angeles, California. In 1981 King was trying out for a guitarist in a band. When the session was over Jeff Hanneman joined Kerry and they began playing Iron Maiden and Judas Priest songs with a session drummer. Hanneman mentioned "Why don't we start our OWN band?" King was like, "...F*ck yeah!!!" and Slayer was born. Along with a spiked wristband, shaved head, long beard and extensive tattoo work (which covers his hands, arms and head) have uniquely defined Kerry King as an iconic guitarist of the metal world.

King's main influences are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Venom, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple. King is an atheist, he views organized religion as a crutch for people who are "too weak to make it through life on their own". King writes most of Slayer's lyrics, his songs mostly focus on Satanic subjects, though he has openly stated that he neither believes in Satan nor God. Many throughout the music industry have described King as a "real down to earht guy" and is the same on and off stage. He is not afraid to show his opinion though he is very polite and friendly.

Slayer

Slayer has created one mesmerizing record after the next, has influenced many of today's most successful bands, including Slipknot, Sepultura, Killswitch Engage, and continues to earn new generations of fans, while staying true to its ceaselessly devoted followers. Slayer's legacy is cemented in music forever and the band remains undaunted in its directive to make punishing, aggressive and exciting music. With Christ Illusion the band marks its territory. Slayer has exceeded itself far beyond thrash metal to become an unstoppable juggernaut without equal. Slayer Albums in order of release are: Show No Mercy, Hell Awaits, Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, Seasons in the Abyss, Divine Intervention, Diabolus in Musica, God Hates Us All & Christ Illusion.

Kerry King Lending his Guitar Work

Beastie Boys' song "No Sleep till Brooklyn" from the album "Licensed to Ill", Kerry King layed down a guitar solo for the release and he was noted in the linear notes as "Frozen Metal Guitar". On Pantera's final album "Reinventing the Steel", King wrote a lead on spot backstage just after the Dallas Ozzfest in 2000 on the song "Goddamn Electric". When King finished the track Dimebag Darrell ran in the room and yelled "Don't let him do it again!" King tried again to hopefully lay down a better track, though the first take was used. King has also lent his guitar work to Ice-T for his song "Disorder", Rob Zombie's "Dead Girl Superstar", Hatebreed's "Final Prayer", and Sum 41's "What We're All About" which was used in the 2002 Spider-Man movie soundtrack. King has made appearances on Marilyn Manson's recent "Rape Of The World" tour.

Interesting Facts

Kerry King, who is a big wrestling fan, was the guest announcer for the match between Supreme and Kronus, the finals match of the death match tournament at the XPW event "Baptized in blood" on June 20, 2000. He was however announced by regular announcer Kris Kloss as the "lead singer of Slayer", which King immediately corrected by yelling "It's guitar" as soon as he was given the microphone. He entered the ring to the sounds of the Slayer song "Angel of Death" from the album Reign in Blood.

Kerry King is known for playing B.C. Rich guitars including After Dimebag Darrell was murdered on stage, Kerry was presented with a Dean Razorback V designed by Dimebag Darrell, with tribal designs of King's own tattoos.

Kerry is a long time snake breeder, he pops up at Southern California reptile events and pet shops at random.

Kerry King's Equipment

  • B.C. Rich Speed V Guitars
  • B.C. Rich Warlock Guitars
  • B.C. Rich Wartribe Guitars
  • B.C. Rich Beast V Guitars
  • Marshall Amplification JCM-800 2203KK Custom Amps
  • EMG, Inc. 85 (Neck) and 81 (Bridge) Pick-ups with EMG PA-2 Preamp/Gain boost
  • Kahler Tremolo Systems
  • Dunlop Kerry King Q-Zone pedals
  • Dunlop Zakk Wylde Signature Wah Pedals
  • Dunlop Dimebag Darrell Signature Wah Pedals
  • Fernandes Sustainer
  • TKL Cases
  • Rocktron Hush II Noise Reduction System
  • Shure Wireless System
  • Monster Cable
  • In Tune Guitar Picks
  • Dunlop Rack Effects
  • BOSS RGE-10 Graphic Eq
  • Bogner Fist Preamp
  • Eventide H3000S Harmonizer
  • Marshall 4x12" speaker cabinets with Celestion 12" speakers
 
 

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