Album review: Kerry King – From Hell I Rise

Kerry King has not been idle since Slayer called it a day, a point vehemently proven with his first solo salvo. In fact, the guitarist is so focused he has arguably delivered a stronger, more consistent collection than Slayer’s last two albums, for From Hell I Rise slays from start to finish.

If you're looking for pure-blooded maniacal thrash then your ears need Where I Reign, which kicks things off properly after a slow-burning, sinister opener, and could flay flesh from bone. Likewise, Crucifixation and the closing title-track are breakneck insanity that capture KK at his very best, drenched in evil and all the bloody trappings he brings to the table.

However, this is not a one-note record, with pleasing diversions into punkier territory such as on Everything I Hate About You, bringing to mind the DC greats of the early ’80s. Things also slow down a little, relying on muscle over speed, and Shrapnel and the eerie Tension beat you senseless, the record also shot through with killer soloing that will mangle the tendons of avid air guitarists.

Surrounding himself with great musicians has definitely helped – his former bandmate Paul Bostaph on drums, Phil Demmel (ex-Machine Head) on guitar, bassist Kyle Sanders (HellYeah), and Death Angel’s Mark Osegueda on vocals all breathing life into the songs. There may be nothing in terms of surprises but who needs that when the music is this damn vital? The phrase ‘metal as fuck’ may never be better applied.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Machine Head, Hatebreed, Lamb Of God

From Hell I Rise is released on May 17 via Reigning Phoenix Music

Read this: Kerry King: “I’m going to keep going until it physically doesn’t make sense anymore… I hope that’s still a long way away”