For decades, Kerry King has been one of metal’s most recognizable guitarists. But thanks to a newly released collection of demos, fans can now hear a side of the Slayer legend that has largely remained hidden from the public: his own singing voice.
King has unveiled five previously unreleased demo recordings from the sessions for his debut solo album, From Hell I Rise. The tracks feature the guitarist performing scratch vocals, offering an unfiltered look at how some of the album’s songs sounded before they were completed with the band’s final lineup.
While the finished record saw Death Angel frontman Mark Osegueda taking on lead vocal duties, the demos reveal King’s role in shaping the material during its earliest stages. According to the announcement, recording guide vocals is a practice he has utilized for years while developing songs, though those recordings have never been officially released until now.
The newly available demos include early versions of:
- “Crucifixation”
- “From Hell I Rise”
- “Two Fists”
- “Rage”
- “Trophies Of The Tyrant”
The bonus tracks are part of an expanded deluxe edition of From Hell I Rise, released through Reigning Phoenix Music. Alongside the demo material, the updated package includes new artwork by James Bousema, additional photographs, and a refreshed visual presentation.
The complete deluxe edition track listing reads:
- Diablo
- Where I Reign
- Residue
- Idle Hands
- Trophies Of The Tyrant
- Crucifixation
- Tension
- Everything I Hate About You
- Toxic
- Two Fists
- Rage
- Shrapnel
- From Hell I Rise
- Crucifixation (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
- From Hell I Rise (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
- Two Fists (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
- Rage (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
- Trophies Of The Tyrant (demo; Kerry King on vocals)
For collectors, Reigning Phoenix Music is also offering a limited earbook edition capped at 666 copies worldwide. The set includes two vinyl LPs, a live CD, and a Blu-ray documenting King‘s first-ever performance with his solo band at Reggies in Chicago.
