The Slayer guitarist and co-founder Kerry King is currently promoting his first solo album called “From Hell I Rise” and of course, much of Slayer’s and his songwriting involved religion. He was asked in an interview with Moshpit Passion (Transcribed by Blabbermouth) why the occult and religion became common themes in Heavy Metal in the past decades.
In his answer, he revealed that he is actually an atheist, he doesn’t believe in God or the devil.
Slayer’s Kerry King says he doesn’t believe in God or the devil
“I think people got desensitized over the decades, ’cause when we came out, it was far more taboo than it is now. And I think what I do is more like just putting opinions on the table. I think a lot of people are just born into their beliefs. They come down from their parents, their friends, whatever. And I don’t believe in God or the devil. I don’t believe in anything. I’m an atheist. But I like to put options on the table for those people that may never question what they believe or why they believe it.”
“I don’t care if you believe in God. Good on you, have fun with that, that’s a good story. But I just like to throw things on the table and say, ‘Hey, have you ever thought of a different perspective? Have you ever thought of all the preachers that get arrested for fondling little boys?’ This world isn’t perfect. So I just put things out on the table. Hopefully (that) get people thinking about their own life and figure things out for themselves,” Kerry King said.
The musician has many scheduled tour dates with his solo band for 2024 to promote his first record. But he will also perform a few selected festival dates with Slayer, since the band announced their reunion this year.