Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, who recruited vocalist and bassist Tom Araya, and drummer Dave Lombardo.

[1] Slayer's first two albums, Show No Mercy (1983) and Hell Awaits (1985), which were released on Metal Blade Records, did not chart in the United States.

[2] Diabolus in Musica (1998) was criticized for its nu metal traits,[4][5] while God Hates Us All (2001) created controversy for its graphic artwork.

Christ Illusion (2006) was Slayer's highest debuting effort on the charts, placing at number five in the US and winning two Grammy Awards.

[8][9] Slayer is considered one of the "big four" of thrash metal along with Anthrax, Metallica and Megadeth and has earned six gold certifications and one multi-platinum plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).