Most of the metal headlines this year have revolved around the creation of Slipknot's forthcoming release .5: The Gray Chapter. But perhaps the most iconic band when it comes to modern metal, Slayer, also has its mind on new music as was suggested when the band posted photos of vocalist/bassist Tom Araya in the studio on its Instagram earlier this week.
It's not that the band frequently goes long stretches in between records—although the band hasn't dropped a new collection since 2009's World Painted Blood—but the thrash kings have one huge question to answer with the new, yet untitled album: Who's playing the second guitar?
This will be the first Slayer album ever not to feature original "rhythm" guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who passed away from from liver failure during 2013. The axe-man was an instrumental piece in creating riffs with his partner, lead guitarist Kerry King. The band doesn't necessarily need a second guitarist for the purpose of recording (King can double up) but we're curious who'll be playing with Slayer when the band goes on tour this Fall. Exodus guitarist Gary Holt filled in for Hanneman for several years but his band will open for the headliners on the tour. Can he manage two sets every night, especially sets as intense as Slayer's?
Journeyman Paul Bostaph has been sitting behind the set with Slayer and photos show he'll be recording with them as well. Indeed, he's the only other individual outside of the original lineup to record with the band.
The new album is due during 2015 but it looks like the band might take its time in the studio. Lord knows we would if we had bowls of candy bars and bottles of tequila.
