Kerry King names the hardest Slayer song to play on guitar

Kerry King has chosen the Slayer song that is the most difficult to play.

The guitarist reveals his choice during a fan Q&A session in the new issue of metal hammer. When King is asked, “What’s the most difficult song you’ve ever played?” he gives the name Dittoheadtaken from Slayer’s 1994 album Divine intervention.

“I could go several ways with this [question]” says King, “but I’ll say it Dittohead for the sheer speed. This is probably our fastest song and I don’t want to play it live any time soon!”

On the subject of amazing guitar performances, King is also asked what his favorite riff is from his late Slayer partner Jeff Hanneman. “That’s difficult. I have to say It’s raining blood [from 1986’s Reign In Blood]“, he replies. “It’s not just a riff in this song, it’s a whole showcase. If you pushed me, I would say the intro too, since people still sing along to that guitar line.”

(Image credit: Future (Jen Rosenstein))

King and Hanneman formed Slayer in 1981 with bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo. Domination in the blood“, produced by the revered Rick Rubin, was released in 1986 and became the band’s breakthrough, receiving critical acclaim. His lyrics – especially the song Angel of deaththat Hanneman wrote about the Nazi scientist Josef Mengele – caused widespread controversy.

Divine intervention released in 1994 and was Slayer’s first album without Lombardo. It was the Slayer debut of Paul Bostaph, who continues to perform with the thrash legends. Dittohead was released as a single and was a semi-regular entry in the band’s setlist until 2018.

Hanneman died of liver failure in 2013 at the age of 49. Slayer retired in 2019 but reunited earlier this year. They have played three US festival shows in 2024 and will perform together again, but have not confirmed future dates at the time of publication.

King released his debut solo album, I rise from hellin May.

As well as an interview with King, the new edition of metal hammer features the debut of genre-bending singer/songwriter Poppy on the cover of the magazine. She talks all about her new album Negative spacesas well as her journey from rising YouTube star to versatile, popular sensation. Iron Maiden, Within Temptation, Sleep Token and more are also included. Order your copy now and have it delivered straight to your home.

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