Metal Reigns In ATX

Hard rock was on the menu at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on November 18, 2014 when Slayer paid a visit to Austin as part of their fall tour with friends Exodus and Suicidal Tendencies. Mosh-pits and metal were the order of the night as the Grammy award winning heavy metal legends thrilled the sold out venue filled with enthusiastic fans.

Slayer had some lineup changes in 2013, including the passing of founding member Jeff Hanneman, and the firing of founding member, drummer Dave Lombaro. Slayer is now comprised of bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, guitarists Kerry King and Gary Holt, and drummer Paul Bostaph.

Slayer played a selection of both old and new numbers during their set, keeping the multi-age audience very happy. During their performance of “Angel Of Death” a new backdrop was revealed honoring Hanneman, who actually penned the song.  The audience responded with a standing ovation and raised metal horns.

Opening on the night was Exodus with guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Altus, vocalist Steve Souza, bassist Jack Gibson, and drummer Tom Hunting. Souza successfully performed his job as a warm-up act by encouraging the audience to form a mosh pit.

Exodus was followed by another high-energy band, Suicidal Tendencies. Their lineup includes vocalist Mike Muir, guitarists Dean Pleasants and Nico Santora, bassist Michael Morgan, and drummer Thomas Pridgen. This hardcore group was successful in keeping up the moshing going until Slayer took the stage.