Kerry King

Kerry King, born on June 3, 1964, in Los Angeles, California, is a renowned American musician, best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the American thrash metal band Slayer. His aggressive style of playing, characterized by rapid solos and complex guitar techniques, has made him a standout figure in the world of heavy metal.

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King's journey with music began in his early teen years, with him learning guitar on his own. In 1981, he co-founded Slayer with Jeff Hanneman, and they quickly gained attention for their fusion of heavy metal and punk rock, creating the unique sound of thrash metal. King, alongside Hanneman, wrote much of the band's music and lyrics, contributing to albums that would become genre classics like "Reign in Blood" (1986), "South of Heaven" (1988), and "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990).

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Throughout his career, King's work with Slayer earned him numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards. His distinctive style, marked by his preference for B.C. Rich guitars and Marshall amplifiers, has influenced countless musicians in the metal genre.

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Apart from Slayer, King has also collaborated with several other artists, like Pantera and Megadeth, further solidifying his status in the metal community. Despite Slayer's disbandment in 2019, King's legacy continues to resonate in the world of heavy metal.