Kerry King, the legendary guitarist from the iconic metal band Slayer, took to the stage at the House of Blues in Las Vegas for a master class in thrash metal on Saturday night. His band featured an all-star lineup including Paul Bostaph on drums, Kyle Sanders on bass, Phil Demmel on guitar, and Mark Osegueda on vocals.
The concert kicked off with New Zealand’s own Alien Weaponry, bringing a unique blend of Māori cultural heritage and raw thrash metal, captivating the crowd with their powerful performance. Municipal Waste who followed and hit the stage with their energetic thrash metal and party vibes.
King’s setlist was a masterful blend of classic Slayer hits and new solo material. Fans were treated to ferocious renditions of “Raining Blood,” “Relentless,” and “Disciple,” each met with thunderous applause and headbanging. Interspersed with these iconic tracks were fresh compositions that showcased King’s evolution as a musician. The new songs retained the aggression and complexity of his earlier work while introducing innovative elements that captivated the audience. A definite highlight of the night was the band’s performance of two classic Paul Di’Anno sung Iron Maiden tunes. “Purgatory” and “Killers” were dedicated to the recently deceased singer. The energy in the venue was electric, with fans headbanging and moshing throughout the night.
King’s interaction with the audience was minimal but impactful, letting his music do most of the talking. The lighting and stage effects added to the intense atmosphere, making it a visually and sonically immersive experience. The concert was a powerful and electrifying experience, proving that King’s passion for thrash metal is as strong as ever. The seamless integration of King’s iconic guitar riffs with the talents of his bandmates created a memorable performance that left the audience wanting more.
Photos by contributor Joe Schaeffer for The Pure Rock Shop. Posted on 2/23/2025.
