Kerry King – From Hell I Rise

Kerry King’s debut solo album, “From Hell I Rise,” arrives in 2024, a fiery follow-up to Slayer’s final ride in 2019. King assembles a thrash metal dream team – Death Angel vocalist Mark Osegueda, ex-Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel, Hellyeah bassist Kyle Sanders, and Slayer’s own Paul Bostaph on drums. Does “From Hell I Rise” live up to the legacy, or is it merely a rehash of Slayer’s infernal anthems?

Track-by-Track:

• War Never Ends: The album opens with a familiar Slayer gallop, courtesy of King’s razor-sharp riffs. Osegueda’s vocals are a solid fit, but the lyrics about war’s futility tread well-worn ground.
• Idle Hands (Single): The previously released single hits hard with its pummeling drums and scorching guitar work. A catchy chorus injects some melody without sacrificing aggression.
• Maschinenengel (Machine Angel): The title hints at Demmel’s influence, with a more technical thrash approach and a cool trade-off solo between him and King.
• Death From Above: Classic Slayer vibes return here, with a breakneck tempo and lyrics dripping with anti-religious sentiment. Bostaph’s drumming shines on this track.
• Concealed Fate Control: A slower, groovier number showcases Osegueda’s vocal range, building to a satisfyingly thrashy conclusion.
• Spectre of Fire: King unleashes some wah-pedal infused leads here, adding a touch of bluesy swagger to the proceedings.
• Turn of the Screw: The fastest track on the album is a frenzy of double bass drumming and atonal riffs. Prepare for whiplash.
• Pleasure to Kill: The song title might be a Slayer reference, but the music itself feels fresh, with a chugging mid-tempo groove and harmonized guitar leads.
• Coldblooded: Osegueda delivers a particularly vicious vocal performance here, spitting out lyrics about a merciless killer.
• Trophies of the Tyrants: The album closes with a powerful and epic track, featuring some of King’s most intricate guitar work. The closing line, “I watch religion die. Come watch it with me,” is a fittingly bleak final statement.

Overall Impression:

“From Hell I Rise” is a solid effort, but for Slayer fans, it might feel more like a continuation than a new beginning. The album is undeniably heavy and well-performed, but doesn’t quite break new ground. If you’re looking for a fresh take from Kerry King, you might be left wanting. However, for those who crave a potent dose of classic thrash metal with a modern sheen, “From Hell I Rise” delivers the goods.