Metal titans Slayer have officially announced their reunion and two upcoming shows — their first in five years.
The iconic thrash outfit will play Chicago’s Riot Fest, which takes place Sept. 20 to 22, and the Louder Than Life festival in Kentucky, which rolls in Sept. 26 to 29.
The two festivals will feature the same Slayer lineup as the band’s purported farewell tour in 2019: singer-bassist Tom Araya, guitarists Kerry King and Gary Holt, and drummer Paul Bostaph.
“Nothing compares to the 90 minutes when we’re onstage playing live, sharing that intense energy with our fans,” Araya said in a statement, adding that he missed that.
King said: “Have I missed playing live? Absolutely. Slayer means a lot to our fans; they mean a lot to us. It will be five years since we have seen them.”
Slayer is among one of four headliners at Louder Than Life which includes Slipknot, Korn and Mötley Crüe following Tommy Lee’s recent hand surgery.
While Slayer never officially gave a reason on their retirement in 2019, King was angry with the band’s decision to break up, telling Metal Hammer that his livelihood “was taken away.”
Consequence previously reported that it was believed that singer-bassist Araya didn’t want to continue performing due to “physical limitations” and ongoing health issues.
Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @saleyley and Instagram.