Mark Osegueda recently commented on his approach to performing Slayer material with Kerry King’s solo band. He addressed the challenge of emulating one of metal’s most iconic vocalists in an interview shared on That Metal Interview Podcast.
When asked about doing justice to Tom Araya’s distinctive vocal style during live performances, Osegueda emphasized his deep respect for the Slayer frontman. He expressed his commitment to honoring the original material.
“Well, Tom, he’s an icon. I admire him; I have for many years. I’m a Slayer fan, so he’s got a very distinct voice and one that I’ve admired for many, many years,” Osegueda said. “So when we do those songs, I just get out there and do my best to do the songs justice and his voice justice, because I think he’s fantastic.”
Beyond the musical aspect, Osegueda expressed his appreciation for the camaraderie within the band. He also shared his enthusiasm for the touring experience.
“They’re good guys. I love the guys. It’s a great band to be a part of. Touring with them’s amazing. They’re all solid dudes that I’ve known for years, decades. And I’m very proud to be a part of it and I look forward to much more to come, for sure,” he added.
Osegueda’s role in Kerry King’s solo project represents a carefully considered partnership that has resonated strongly with metal fans worldwide. Mark Osegueda, the acclaimed lead vocalist of Death Angel, has been performing Slayer songs live as the vocalist for Kerry King’s solo band since 2024. This collaboration marks a significant moment in metal history, as King sought to establish his solo identity while maintaining the legacy of Slayer’s most iconic material.
Kerry King’s decision to recruit Osegueda was deliberate and strategic. Kerry King deliberately chose not to recruit Gary Holt, another Slayer guitarist, to avoid the band being labeled “Slayer Light.” He intended to forge a distinct identity for his solo project. By bringing in Osegueda, an accomplished metal vocalist known for his work with Death Angel, King added strong credibility and energy to the live renditions of Slayer material. This move established his solo venture as its own entity.
The collaboration debuted with King’s solo album “From Hell I Rise,” released in May 2024. The album blended fresh material with classic Slayer songs in the live setlist. Osegueda has received strong positive feedback from fans, including die-hard Slayer followers, for his ability to do justice to Tom Araya’s iconic voice and Slayer classics during live performances. His rapid phrasing and vocal precision have impressed audiences who initially questioned whether anyone could authentically represent Araya’s legendary contributions to metal.
Osegueda’s commitment to respecting the source material has been central to the project’s success. As a lifelong Slayer fan himself, he approaches each performance with reverence for the band’s legacy. He brings his own energy and technical prowess to the stage. This balance between honoring the past and moving forward has made Kerry King’s solo project a compelling addition to the metal landscape. It proves that classic material can thrive in new contexts when handled with the proper respect and talent.
