Kerry King, co-founding guitarist of thrash metal pioneers Slayer, is set to return to the studio next month to begin work on his second solo album. This was reported by Pollstar.
The announcement came as part of news that talent agency Independent Artist Group has signed Slayer, Mastodon, and King for representation outside the U.S. and Canada.
“Talent agency Independent Artist Group has signed thrash titans Slayer, influential heavy-prog band Mastodon and Slayer co-founding guitarist Kerry King for representation outside the U.S. and Canada,” Pollstar reported. “King will go back into the studio this April to record his second solo album and plans to kick off a new tour in early 2027, according to IAG.”
The report also detailed King’s dual role moving forward as both a Slayer member and solo artist.
“The announcement notes Kerry King will tour both as the lead guitarist for Slayer and as a solo artist,” the report continued. “The band, a pioneer of thrash metal forming in the early 1980s and enduring with worldwide appeal, had embarked on a farewell tour in 2018 but has performed at select high-profile dates including large-scale festivals in recent years. King launched a solo career in 2024 with a debut album, From Hell I Rise and backed up longtime collaborator Paul Bostaph.”
This upcoming album will serve as the follow-up to King’s solo debut “From Hell I Rise,” which was released in May 2024.
King’s solo venture has already shown significant momentum since its launch. American Songwriter noted that his debut record “From Hell I Rise” delivered the kind of speed, aggression, and lyrical content that fans expected from the Slayer guitarist. The 13-track collection was produced by Josh Wilbur at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, maintaining the high production standards King established with Slayer.
The guitarist has been actively preparing for his sophomore effort well in advance of the April recording sessions. Sonic Perspectives reported that King confirmed significant progress has already been made on the new material, stating his desire to “keep the train rolling” with his solo career momentum.
King revealed in early 2025 that he and longtime collaborator Paul Bostaph have been productive in their songwriting sessions. “We have got 10, 12 songs demoed already,” King shared, indicating that the creative process for the second album has been well underway for months before the scheduled studio time.
The partnership between King and Bostaph continues to be a driving force behind the solo project. Bostaph, who has been a longtime member of Slayer’s rhythm section, brings his extensive experience and chemistry with King to the solo material. Arrow Lords of Metal disclosed that King has been working on lyrics for the second solo album, with all material for his debut having been written entirely by the 60-year-old guitarist himself.
The timing of the new album aligns with King’s broader career strategy of maintaining both his Slayer commitments and solo aspirations. With the planned early 2027 tour launch, King will have the opportunity to showcase material from both albums while continuing his dual role as both a member of one of thrash metal’s most influential bands and an established solo artist.
