Slayer guitarist Kerry King discussed the follow-up to his solo debut, “From Hell I Rise,” in a recent appearance on the 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal podcast. “From Hell I Rise” was released in May 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
King spoke about the progress of the new record. He noted that producer Josh Wilbur is once again involved in the project, while keeping most details close to the vest.
“I’m excited about it,” King said. “There’s so many, so many fun things going around about this record in my camp. [Producer] Josh Wilbur’s doing it again, and my publicist would knock me the fuck out if I gave up too much.”
He went on to describe how the new album connects to his debut and how he expects longtime fans to respond to it.
“But I think it’s a wonderful extension of the first album,” King continued. “I think everyone that’s been a fan of mine throughout history is gonna like it entirely.”
King also highlighted a specific moment on the record that he is particularly proud of.
“The intro, to me, is one of the best intros I ever made up,” he said, “so I’m looking forward to hearing what people say about it once it comes out. It’s a slam dunk. It’s fucking crushing.”
No release date for the album has been announced yet. The pieces behind the scenes, however, are already falling into place.
King already has more than enough material ready for the record. He’s begun writing lyrics and has already sent the words for the first song to Death Angel’s Mark Osegueda, a longtime collaborator who has appeared on King’s previous solo work. His plan is to get the album recorded before the end of the year. He’s left room, though, to push that timeline into January or February if needed.
The wait for new music from King’s camp hasn’t been entirely quiet. In June 2026, “From Hell I Rise” got a fresh spotlight with the release of an Extended Deluxe Edition. The reissue added five previously unheard demo tracks — “Crucifixation,” “From Hell I Rise,” “Two Fists,” “Rage,” and “Trophies of the Tyrant” — each featuring King’s own scratch vocals. It served as a reminder of the album’s staying power while fans wait for its successor.
Once the new record is finished, King won’t be sitting on it for long. A tour in support of the album is already being lined up for early 2027. Independent Artist Group, which handles bookings for both Slayer and King’s solo band outside the U.S. and Canada, is working on the plans.
Kerry King’s solo project shows no signs of slowing down. The extended edition is keeping the debut album in the spotlight, a stacked batch of new material is ready to go, and a touring cycle is already taking shape. Fans eager for a follow-up to “From Hell I Rise” won’t have to wait too much longer to find out if King’s confidence in the new record is warranted.
