Former Slayer guitarist Kerry King shared insights about his future musical plans in a recent interview with Rolling Stone Brasil.
He detailed his working relationship with former Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph and explained his approach to selecting future bandmates.
“Paul [Bostaph] and I work really well together. Whenever he’s been in the band, working on Slayer stuff, it would generally be me and him, working out new ideas,” King said. “I knew that we had great respect and rapport. He understands what I’m saying when I don’t necessarily talk English. I’ll talk like made-up music terms that he and I know. I’ll just be like, ‘Play that, play that,’ and he’ll just play it. We can get a demo in five minutes, and he’s a fantastic drummer.”
King then addressed his decision about other potential collaborators, particularly former Slayer guitarist Gary Holt:
“So, if I’m taking anything from Slayer, I’m taking him. And then, Gary’s my friend, I brought it up to Holt. But, as time went by, and I had time to think about it, I thought the more pieces I had from the Slayer puzzle, it would give people more ammunition to talk sh*t about me.”
The musical partnership between King and Bostaph has become one of the most enduring in thrash metal, spanning several decades.
Records from historical sources show Bostaph joined Slayer in 1992, replacing Dave Lombardo. His initial tenure with the band produced several landmark albums, including ‘Divine Intervention’ and ‘Diabolus in Musica.’
Paul Bostaph’s official website highlights his versatility as a drummer. His work extends beyond Slayer to other prominent metal bands. He has performed with both Forbidden and Exodus, demonstrating his adaptability within the genre.
Documentation from Metal Archives reveals Bostaph’s multiple periods with Slayer. His technical prowess and deep understanding of the band’s style made him essential to their sound across different eras.
King now moves forward with new musical projects. He remains conscious of establishing his own identity separate from his former band.
