Last night, Kerry King set the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco ablaze, proving that the spirit of thrash metal still pulses through his veins. Launching his first North American tour since Slayer’s 2019 farewell, King took the stage like a warrior reemerging from battle, armed with blistering riffs and an undeniable presence.
San Francisco, the birthplace of thrash metal, was a fitting launchpad for this new chapter in King’s career. The city that gave us Metallica, Exodus, and Testament welcomed King with open arms and devil horns raised high. Fans of all ages packed the Regency, their anticipation palpable as the lights dimmed.
The setlist, a mix of newly minted solo material and a handful of Slayer classics struck the perfect balance between honoring his legacy and carving out his future. Tracks like the punishing opener “Where I Reign” showcased King’s signature guitar attack, while an earth-shaking rendition of Slayer’s “Raining Blood” ignited a mosh pit frenzy. What came as a surprise were a few Iron Maiden covers that the band turned into pure thrash bringing a different twist to some timeless metal classics.
Backing King was a powerhouse band of seasoned musicians, including Paul Bostaph (Slayer), Mark Osegueda (Death Angel), Phil Demmel (Machine Head), and Kyle Sanders (Hellyeah). Visually, the show leaned into fire-and-brimstone aesthetics, with red and black lighting casting King as a thrash-metal deity.
If last night was any indication, Kerry King is far from finished. His North American tour promises to be a fiery torchbearer for thrash’s enduring legacy, and San Francisco couldn’t have asked for a louder, heavier homecoming.
