The touring cycle for Kerry King’s debut solo effort, From Hell I Rise, has officially concluded, and the thrash metal supergroup is wasting no time pivoting to their next chapter. Mark Osegueda, the voice behind both Death Angel and the Slayer guitarist’s solo project, has revealed that the band is deep in the writing process for their sophomore album.
In a new interview on the “That Metal Interview” podcast, Osegueda confirmed that following a successful run of shows in Japan, the group—which also features guitarist Phil Demmel (Machine Head, Vio-Lence), bassist Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah), and drummer Paul Bostaph (Slayer, Exodus)—is shifting its focus entirely to creation.
“We just got back from Japan about three weeks ago, our first shows in Japan. So those were amazing,” Osegueda said. “And, yeah, for [King‘s debut solo] record, we toured everywhere. And I guess in a certain way, the touring cycle for that record has been completed. We did North America a couple of times, Europe a couple of times, South America, Japan, Australia. So we’ve worked that record pretty good.”
With the road work behind them, the band is eyeing a return to the studio sooner rather than later.
“Now we’re busy writing, getting the material together for the second record. And it’s coming, it’s coming along,” Osegueda explained. “And we’re gonna probably record the second record sometime in the first quarter of this upcoming year. As far as when it’ll be released, I’m not quite sure. But we’re definitely in the process of getting the songs together for it.”
The chemistry within the band appears to be a driving force behind this quick turnaround. Osegueda spoke fondly of his bandmates, emphasizing the camaraderie that has developed over decades of knowing each other in the thrash scene.
“They’re good guys. I love the guys. It’s a great band to be a part of. Touring with them’s amazing,” he noted. “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.”
In addition to performing original material from From Hell I Rise, the band’s live setlists have heavily featured Slayer classics. When asked about stepping into the shoes of Tom Araya for those legendary tracks, Osegueda expressed nothing but reverence for the man he is emulating.
“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 stated. “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.”
King‘s debut album, From Hell I Rise, was released in May 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music. Produced by Josh Wilbur, the record was primarily tracked at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles.
