On the 3rd May 2013 the metal world was devastated to learn of the death of Slayer guitarist and founding member Jeff Hanneman. Although his battle with the disease
necrotising fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease that he is believed to have contracted from a spider bite, was well publicised, his return to full health was expected by Slayer's legions of fans. His death, sadly attributed to liver failure, came as a sudden shock and Slayer fans and fans of extreme music in general are left to mourn the loss of a true trailblazer and a powerful and innovative force in Thrash Metal. Slayer formed in 1981 and Tom Araya (Bass/Vocals), Kerry King (Rhythm & Lead Guitar), Jeff Hanneman (Rhythm & Lead Guitar) and Dave Lombardo (Drums) quickly cemented their position at the forefront of the emerging thrash movement. The band went onto sell millions of records, touring the world on numerous occasions and winning 2 Grammy Awards, a monumental achievement for such uncompromising and challenging music. Jeff Hanneman was an integral part of Slayer's success. He contributed music and lyrics to every Slayer album and struck a formidable writing partnership with his bandmates whilst often providing solo compositions in his own inimitable style. Unafraid of controversy, Hanneman would often address topics such as Nazism, Satanism and Necrophilia, often drawing criticism for his taboo-breaking lyrics but never apologising for tackling society's grimmest subjects. Composer of some of Slayer's most recognisable and effective songs, Jeff Hanneman and his intense style of guitar playing, which utilised fierce tremolo picking and down-picked notes whilst maintaining a crucial sense of melody, provided the necessary balance to Kerry King's wailing solos; a melodic touch amidst a cacophony of noise and the two guitarists complimented each other perfectly. If you have the time I implore you to revisit the entire Slayer back catalogue as the 5 tracks selected here do not accurately represent Jeff's legacy. These tracks simply reveal the extent to which Jeff influenced Slayer's overall sound and are testament to his skill as a writer and performer of extreme music. Please feel free to post comments regarding my selection, what are your favourite Hanneman tracks? Discussion of this man's achievements is entirely appropriate. Where Slayer go from here is anyone's guess. I don't believe we have seen the last of Slayer, their fan base is too large for them to simply disappear but it will be a challenge to bounce back from such turmoil. It is noticeable that throughout Jeff Hanneman's two year battle with disease, Slayer soldiered on, hand-picking Gary Holt from Exodus to perform in Jeff's place but I can only assume the band were fully expecting Jeff to return and claim his rightful place at his bandmates side, sadly this was not to be the case. Whoever takes the full-time role of replacing Jeff Hanneman faces an uneviable task; his are some mighty shoes to fill. Influential, controversial and supremely talented, the Metal world mourns the loss of a guitar god and he will be sorely missed. R.I.P and forever Reign in Blood. Jeff Hanneman (1964-2013)