Slayer metal band to rock Bangalore

Bangalore: Popular American thrash metal band Slayer is set to rock Bangalore late Saturday on the maiden visit of its stars - guitarist Kerry King, Chilean-born bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and drummer Dave Lombardo.

"We are excited to perform in India for the first time. We are sure that it will be a lifetime experience for us to perform in front of a passionate crowd," King told reporters Friday, ahead of the band`s live concert. Of the band`s gang of four, guitarist Jeff Hanneman, however, could not join the trio on the tour as he was indisposed and stayed back in the US. Gary Holt, the guitarist from Exodus band, will perform in place of Hanneman. Sponsored by United Spirits Ltd and produced by event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks, the `Vladivar Rock `N India` show will be held in the sprawling Bhartiya City, on the outskirts of Bangalore. The programme is expected to last over four hours. "We are expecting about 10,000 fans to rock with the band, which will play some of its best lyrics that made Slayer the most sought after by metal fans the world over," United Spirits vice-president William Devadass said at the preview. United Spirits of liquor baron Vijay Mallya is the producer of the premium dual flavoured Vladivar vodka, which is also the second largest selling vodka brand in Britain. "We believe in providing a refreshing lifestyle experience to our consumers and fans. Vladivar rock music fest is a unique platform for every metal fan in the country," Devadass said. Though Slayer made its debut album "Show No Mercy" in 1983, and was nominated for Grammy five times, it won the prestigious music award in 2007 for "Eye of the Insane" and again in 2008 for "Final Six". As one of the most influential bands of the eighties, the Slayer band rose to fame in 1986 with its album "Reign in Blood" and had a worldwide following with its latest album "World Painted Blood". Known for its fast tremolo picking, double bass drumming and shouted vocals, Slayer`s lyrics span a variety of topics such as serial killers, Satanism, religion and warfare. IANS