Slayer‘s Kerry King recently had much to say of the groups forthcoming new album, their current drummer situation, and their future plans. Speaking with Soundwave TV, King mentioned he has 11 tracks done for the groups long-awaited new album; which they plan to record with producer Greg Fidelman (Metallica, High On Fire).
Schedules permitting, he hopes to have the studio sessions take place in July. He also mentioned that the band have an unannounced North American tour in the works for October; and that he would like the new album to be out in stores around that timeframe.
When it came to the bands situation with their drummer Dave Lombardo, King said:
“It’s unfortunate that Dave couldn’t be with us. I mean I planned on him being here, up until the Monday before I left. And then I saw trouble in paradise, and since I’m the mastermind on making decisions like this, I was, like, ‘Alright, I’ve got a backup plan. Just in case.’ ‘Cause I would have hated to have just Australia blown out. Can you imagine how shitty that would have been? I love Australia, so I did what I thought was best, and we pulled it off.”
Interestingly, King did mention that the band hasn’t decided on whether or not they will be moving on without Lombardo. When asked if he saw the groups current separation with Lombardo coming—they are currently touring with Jon Dette in his place—he mentioned that band bassist/vocalist Tom Araya did. Of that King said:
“Tom did. Tom‘s been on the fence about Dave for awhile and I was pretty much the one that said, ‘Nah, I’m not comfortable moving on.’ And then it got thrust in our face and I took action immediately and I got a very lucky, you know, culmination of things that happened.”
You can watch the full interview below:
