Slayer guitarist Kerry King is hopeful that the band will release their 12th studio album, the follow-up to 2009’s World Painted Blood, some time during 2013.
Speaking with Metal Obsession during the recent Soundwave festival, King said Slayer are in “really good shape” to release their next album:
“Well, two songs are done; they just need to be mixed. Another one is done without leads and vocals on it, and I’ve got nine others to record, so we’re in really good shape.
“I always think it’s going to be sooner than later, and I’m always changing my story, but I really think we can go in and record between this [Soundwave Festival] and our next tour in June. So, if it’s all finished, then it could be getting mixed while we’re in Europe. And I don’t see any reason why it can’t be out this year. Don’t hold me to that, but that’s what I’m hoping for.”
Slayer’s visit earlier this year was marred in controversy with drummer Dave Lombardo being fired shortly before the band departed for Australia. Slayer swiftly recruited fellow Soundwave attendee and Anthrax drummer Jon Dette, mindful of the fact that Dette already had his visa in order:
“At the first instant of trouble in paradise, I’m like, ‘Alright, what can we do?’ First off, I thought there’s probably no way to get a visa for somebody this quick and I knew Jon was with Anthrax.
“And in a perfect world, I was thinking maybe he could do both. So I had to call him up and say, ‘Hey, man, I hate to drop this on you…’ (laughs) And he was stoked. And I did the right thing — I called up Scott [Ian, Anthrax guitarist], asked him if he minded. I rehearsed with Jon for 3 days and we came out and did it.”
Earlier this month Lombardo published an open letter, apologising to Australian fans for not being a part of Soundwave and thanking all his fans for their continued support.
Watch: Slayer’s Kerry King – Soundwave 2013 Interview
