Jeff Hanneman is one of thrash metal’s most valuable contributors. As a lead guitarist and songwriter for Slayer, Hanneman is credited for shaping thrash into the relentless genre it is today. Not only did he write some of the most iconic songs in the band’s catalog such as Angel Of Death and South Of Heaven, but he also created a new standard by pushing the boundaries of metal altogether.
Back in the early 80s, many musicians were starving for success, getting by any way they could. Hanneman was a telemarketer and soon-to-be Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo was delivering pizzas at the time.
Guitarist Kerry King was auditioning for a band when he met Hanneman and both shared an interest for heavier bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. After chatting and jamming together, King finally asked the question, “Why don’t we start our own band?”
To which Hanneman replied, “Fuck yeah!” and the rest is history…
Both began practicing to no end and King had already been playing longer than Hanneman, who was only a few weeks into it. They quickly sharpened their skills to uncharted levels by the time Lombardo and singer/bassist Tom Araya entered their circle.
The infamous four-piece set out on a path of ear-piercing destruction. Thrash metal wasn’t the same after Slayer started putting out albums, gaining both underground attention as well as a slot on Metal Blade Records. Slayer became one of the first extreme metal bands to get signed to a major label and the group had plenty of music to back it up.
Hanneman served a major role as a songwriter, absorbing all sorts of influences from Mercyful Fate to Dead Kennedys. He was greatly impacted by punk bands such as Black Flag and T.S.O.L. which enabled his playing style to be faster than traditional heavy metal.
The combination of Hanneman and Lombardo’s interest in punk propelled them to blast everything they played 1000 MPH faster than anyone else and because they were Slayer, it always sounded twisted and satanic. Him and King have also been recognized as one of the most iconic duos in thrash, exchanging distinctive solos that never disappoint.
During 1984, he was involved in a hardcore punk side project called Pap Smear along with Lombardo and Suicidal Tendencies guitarist Rocky George. Hanneman sang and played bass, however the band was short-lived after being urged to focus on Slayer.
He also shared a unique bond with Motorhead frontman Lemmy Kilmister, both having an interest in German war medals. The two have both gone on the record reinstating that their fascination with Nazi Germany memorabilia does not extend past the items they own.
In 2011, Hanneman contracted necrotizing fasciitis and subsequently took a hiatus from Slayer. It only appeared to be a temporary process and many were anticipating his return to the stage. His old San Francisco friend, Gary Holt filled in when he wasn’t available.
However, Jeff Hanneman passed away on May 2nd, 2013 due to liver failure caused by alcohol.
His death was premature, but he left an irreplaceable legacy for others to appreciate and build off of.
Hanneman remains the ultimate guitar shredder and was also among the first in the genre. His presence impacted thrash groups and death metal bands alike by producing the darkest, most evil riffs of all time.
Leave a Reply