Slayer’s Kerry King Gives Update on New Album, Condition of Guitarist Jeff Hanneman
As Slayer are currently on the road with the 2012 Mayhem Festival, guitarist Kerry King has given fans a bit more info about Slayer’s next album, which could see a release as soon as early 2013. The guitarist, who also provides lyrics for the band, is hoping to get some work done while on tour before hitting the studio once again at the conclusion of the touring Mayhem Fest.
King spoke with Rolling Stone about writing for Slayer’s upcoming record. “If I get off my ass and start writing again on the road – since we’ve been in Europe, I keep trying to work on lyric ideas,” begins King. “Maybe some leads, and fixing songs that didn’t work correctly – it should be a real quick process.”
So far King has been tracking all of the guitar parts in the studio, due to fellow guitarist Jeff Hanneman‘s recovery from a serious case of necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease brought on after being bit by a spider. Currently, Hanneman’s spot onstage is being filled by legendary Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, who received enormous praise from Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo in our recent interview with the stickman.
“After Mayhem we’ll reevaluate and see if he’s any closer,” King says about Hanneman’s recovery. “We’re planning for him to come back and the door is open, because it’s his f—ing gig. If he can play, Jeff Hanneman is going to f—ing be here, and I’m stoked about that. I love playing with Gary, and he’s doing a killer job, but if Jeff came back and said, ‘I’m ready,’ I’ll check him out to see that he’s ready, and off we go.”
The 2012 Mayhem Festival tour comes to an end on Aug. 5 in Hartford, Conn., after which Slayer, hopefully with Hanneman, will finish up work on their 12th album.
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