Description
Kerry King – From Hell I Rise – Dark Red – Orange Marbled Vinyl Record
From Hell I Rise is the highly anticipated debut solo album by Kerry King, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of Slayer. Released on May 17, 2024, through Reigning Phoenix Music, this album marks King’s return to the thrash metal scene following Slayer’s disbandment in 2019. With thirteen tracks written entirely by King, the record embodies the aggressive energy, blistering riffs, and dark themes that have defined his career.
The album features a powerhouse lineup of musicians. Mark Osegueda, the vocalist of Death Angel, takes on vocal duties, delivering a fierce performance that complements King’s relentless riffing. Phil Demmel (formerly of Vio-lence and Machine Head) joins King on guitar, adding a sharp and precise dynamic to the album’s intricate solos. Kyle Sanders of Hellyeah handles bass, providing a solid rhythmic backbone, while Paul Bostaph, who previously drummed for Slayer, Testament, and Exodus, brings his signature intensity to the percussion section. This lineup ensures that From Hell I Rise is not just a solo project but a fully realized thrash metal experience.
The album opens with “Diablo,” a short yet menacing instrumental introduction that sets the tone for the chaos to follow. Tracks like “Where I Reign” and “Residue” showcase King’s signature chugging guitar work, fast-paced aggression, and apocalyptic lyricism. “Trophies of the Tyrant” stands out as one of the heavier tracks, with a crushing mid-tempo groove and politically charged lyrics. Meanwhile, “Crucifixation” is a relentless onslaught of speed and intensity, reminiscent of Slayer’s classic sound. “Everything I Hate About You” is one of the shortest tracks, but it explodes with punk-like fury, proving that King is unafraid to inject raw energy into his compositions. The title track, “From Hell I Rise,” closes the album with a triumphant and sinister tone, reinforcing the album’s themes of rebellion and defiance.
Critical reception for From Hell I Rise has been mixed, with many praising the album’s consistency and heaviness while others argue that it treads too close to Slayer’s legacy without breaking new ground. Metal Injection lauded it as a solid thrash record, emphasizing the chemistry between King and Demmel, while MetalSucks critiqued it for sounding like a collection of Slayer B-sides. Despite these divided opinions, the album performed well commercially, peaking at #3 in Germany, #4 in Austria, #5 in Switzerland, and debuting at #9 on the US Billboard Top Album Sales chart. Additionally, it reached #1 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums chart, reflecting its strong appeal to dedicated thrash metal fans.
To promote the album, Kerry King embarked on a North American tour in early 2025, joined by Municipal Waste and Alien Weaponry as supporting acts. One of the most notable shows took place at New York City’s Irving Plaza on February 7, 2025, where fans got to experience King’s new material live alongside classic Slayer-inspired brutality.
From Hell I Rise cements Kerry King’s reputation as a thrash metal icon, proving that even after Slayer’s retirement, his brand of aggressive, unapologetic music remains as ferocious as ever. Whether seen as a continuation of his past work or a fresh start, the album stands as a testament to his enduring influence in the metal world.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Diablo
Where I Reign
Residue
Idle Hands
Trophies Of The Tyrant
Crucifixation
Tension
Everything I Hate About You
Toxic
Two Fists
Rage
Shrapnel
From Hell I Rise
