Slayer needs no introduction. One of the pioneering thrash metal band slaying for almost 3 decades are finally going to play in India at the RockInIndia fest this year. We had a quick chat with vocalist Tom Araya about their upcoming India tour.
Having been around for about 30 years now, how has your sound grown?
We have managed to stick around for 30 years. Jeff has been recovering from his illness. At some point we plan to create new music together. We believe that you need to have the willpower to create music.
Are you ever fascinated as to how various generations can connect with your music?
When you get a Slayer album, you are guaranteed to get. When people buy a Slayer album, they get very intense music and crazy lyrics – that’s Slayer and you love it. This has kept us going.
How difficult has it been with guitarist Jeff Hanneman being ill with Necrotizing fasciitis and unable to play?
Garry Holt from Exodus will be playing in place of Jeff Hanneman during Vladivar Rock N India. He has been playing with us touring with us for the past two years. He is really good. He is a good friend. We are hoping that Jeff is able to eventually join the band, but it will not happen for the India tour.
Which are some of the tracks that you have lined up for this performance?
We will play a wide variety of songs. This is our first live performance. We will create the live Slayer experience.
How important are the sets and the entire entertainment package, when you’ll take stage? Any surprises for this show?
Our music creates the magic. We don’t do gimmicks for our concerts. It’s pure music – great sound equipment, lights. Our music plays, people enjoy it
Is this your first time in India? Any Indian band or musician whose work you follow?
Yes this is our first time. We can assure our fans that the music will create a wow for them. They will go crazy. It will be great to hear them sing along the lyrics of our songs. We have listened to Indian traditional music and we find it very interesting. Cultural type music. It’s new and it’s different. We enjoy it.
Anything in particular you’re looking forward to doing in India? (sampling food, touring etc)
We are looking forward to a great time performing for our fans. We wanna play to the great Indian audience.
When can we expect your next album and what’s next on the cards for you?
We are working on a new album – 2013. It will sound like Slayer!
Slayer will be performing at RockInIndia on Oct 20th. Get your tickets here.