PHIL DEMMEL revealed that he had kept his participation in KERRY KING's new band under wraps for four and a half years.
Former MACHINE HEAD and VIO-LENCE guitarist Phil Demmel has revealed that he kept his involvement with Kerry King's new eponymously named solo band a secret for the past four and a half years.
The announcement of SLAYER guitarist Kerry King's debut solo album, "From Hell I Rise," came less than a week ago, scheduled for release on May 17 via Reigning Phoenix Music. All material for the LP was composed by the 59-year-old musician, who was joined during the recording sessions by Demmel, drummer Paul Bostaph (SLAYER), bassist Kyle Sanders (HELLYEAH), and vocalist Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL). Producer Josh Wilbur, known for his work with KORN, LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and BAD RELIGION, among others, helmed the sessions at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles last year.
During a recent Instagram Live video, Demmel discussed how he became involved with Kerry's new band, recounting the events as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "The way this came about for me was when SLAYER was passing through the Bay Area on their farewell tour and played in San Jose. It was around the summer of 2018, with NAPALM DEATH and LAMB OF GOD opening, maybe even TESTAMENT. I knew I was leaving MACHINE HEAD, so I asked Kerry, 'What are your plans after SLAYER?' He mentioned he might continue with Paul and possibly ask Gary to join his new band. When I announced my departure from MACHINE HEAD in September 2018, Kerry texted me, realizing why I had asked about his future plans. When I filled in for Gary at some SLAYER shows in Europe in December 2018 and performed well, Kerry and I discussed the possibility at a Raiders game against Denver in 2019, where he officially committed to me being part of the band. It was pretty amazing."
Phil elaborated, stating: "Since August 2019, I've been eagerly waiting to announce my involvement in Kerry's new band. Only a few people were privy to this information, as Kerry wanted to keep it under wraps. It's been four and a half years of keeping this secret, which some might call the best worst-kept secret or the worst best-kept secret. Nonetheless, we're all thrilled to finally kick off this journey."
Regarding the creation of "From Hell I Rise" and his contributions to the album, Phil explained: "Kerry composed all the music and lyrics, alongside Paul. They had most of it completed for a while. He sent me sections to work on, but progress was slow due to quarantine and the singer search. It took some time for various reasons. There were moments where we were all anxiously waiting for updates, reminiscent of a swimming lesson where the instructor keeps backing up. However, it was all worth it in the end. While they were recording, I was structuring solos at home in my studio. I added some harmony elements that diverge from the typical SLAYER style, adding a unique touch. The solo you hear in 'Idle Hands' was the first one I wrote. I had to confirm with Kerry if my style was suitable, given its deviation from what Jeff and Gary had done. Fortunately, he was onboard, which allowed me to infuse my personal flair into the music."
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Kerry reflected on how Phil became involved in the project: "Phil filled in for Gary during four SLAYER shows at the end of 2018, an incredible feat considering he had only two days to learn the set. When discussing potential band members for our new project, Paul suggested Phil. Upon contacting him, I found out he had just finished with MACHINE HEAD, which seemed serendipitous."
When discussing their dynamic, Kerry remarked, "Phil's technical abilities surprised me. Coming from the California thrash scene like myself, he'd occasionally ask, 'Do you think this solo is too melodic?' My response was simple: 'It's your lead. Unless it's remarkably dull, I won't interfere.' Despite my restriction on rhythm guitar, I appreciated his contributions to the record."
Kerry King is set to join the upcoming LAMB OF GOD/MASTODON North American "Ashes Of Leviathan" co-headline tour as a special guest. The six-week tour kicks off on July 19 in Grand Prairie, Texas, and concludes on August 31 in Omaha, Nebraska. Kerry King will make his concert debut with the band in 2024 in May, starting at the Welcome To Rockville festival on May 9, followed by the Sonic Temple Arts & Music Festival on May 16.
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