Slayer guitarist Kerry King has confirmed he is already deep into the creative process for his second solo album, the follow-up to his 2024 debut, From Hell I Rise. In a new interview with Reigning TV, King revealed that the music is essentially ready and he has now begun writing the lyrics.
The iconic guitarist explained that his new band—featuring vocalist Mark Osegueda, guitarist Phil Demmel, bassist Kyle Sanders, and drummer Paul Bostaph—has more than enough material left over from the first album’s sessions.
“Well, it’s vague because there’s planning, there’s a record company’s perspective, but we have enough material for the next one already,” King said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “I just started writing lyrics on it. I sent ’em to [singer Mark Osegueda]. He got the first song the other day.”
King stated that his goal is to maintain the band’s momentum and get the album recorded as soon as possible, even if no touring is immediately planned.
“As long as I can get off my a** and get some lyrics happening, I would love to record before New Year’s,” King revealed. “And then just give it to the record company and say, ‘Whenever you want, there it is.’ If it becomes January, February, that’s fine too… But I wanna keep these guys working because you’ve gotta keep the train rolling.”
Osegueda, who was also part of the interview, confirmed he has received the new lyrics, adding simply: “I do. The lyrics to the new song are vicious.”
As for the musical direction, King indicated in a previous interview with Rolling Stone Brasil that fans should expect a continuation of his debut.
“My thought would be just make an extension from what From Hell I Rise is, just keep doing [things the same way],” King said. He also noted that his punk influences, which were present on tracks like “Everything I Hate About You” and “Two Fists,” will likely remain. “It wouldn’t surprise me if that shows up ’cause it’s part of my history.”
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