“Extreme” and “metal” are probably the most appropriate words to describe one of the best heavy metal bands of all time – Slayer. Some would go even farther than heavy metal, calling the band an extreme thrash metal group, full of decade-spanning hits.

Children of the Eighties

Slayer first got together in 1982 in Huntington Park, California. The original group was made up of Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya, and Dave Lombardo. In the beginning, the band didn’t write any of their own music, relying on other metal masters – like Iron Maiden – for popular cover songs. Through playing other's music, the band gradually discovered their own sound and developed their technique, becoming who they are today.

While their skills were collectively top-notch, they wanted to be truly next level as a band. And what gets more attention than skills? Shock value. The band decided to try their hand at some over-the-top writing, using satanic imagery and references. It’s still not really clear if the band stands behind their satanic references or if it was just for attention. But hey, it worked.

Their Rise To Success

Whether they’re Satanists or not, the approach they launched them into stardom, earning them a recording contract with producer Rick Rubin. However, because of the dark content of the music, the record label wouldn’t distribute the album, which gave them a sort of morbid curiosity/”I want it because I can’t have it” air that people went wild for.

When the mystique was at its peak, Slayer signed with Geffen Records, who wasn’t afraid to put their music out to the public. Since then they’ve released more than 10 different albums, including Repentless in 2015.