By Lucien Drake | Metal Lair
Kerry King has never struck anyone as the type to announce a new record with a scented candle and a heartfelt acoustic ballad. His next single is called “My War,” which sounds considerably more on-brand.
The Slayer guitarist is preparing to release “My War” on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, as the first single from his forthcoming second solo album. A short teaser has been circulated, though the full track remains ahead of us. This is a preview of an upcoming release, not an announcement that the song is already available.
The follow-up to From Hell I Rise
King’s solo debut, From Hell I Rise, arrived in May 2024 through Reigning Phoenix Music, offering the kind of serrated thrash assault listeners expected but with room for a separate band identity. Producer Josh Wilbur is again involved in the follow-up.
Speaking on the 100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal podcast hosted by Metal Blade founder Brian Slagel, King described the next record as an extension of his solo debut and expressed confidence in the new material. That isn’t exactly surprising. King has never been publicly afflicted with a crippling shortage of conviction.
What remains to be heard is whether the second album expands his palette or simply tightens the screws on the first. The gap between an aggressive teaser and a genuinely memorable album is still a few songs wide.
What’s next for Kerry King’s solo band?
The solo lineup has featured vocalist Mark Osegueda, guitarist Phil Demmel, bassist Kyle Sanders and drummer Paul Bostaph alongside King. A new touring campaign has also been discussed for 2027. The exact dates and details of the album campaign should be checked against official announcements as they emerge.
Metal Lair also covered Slayer’s return to the stage. King’s continuing solo output shows that, whatever happens with Slayer’s live schedule, his riff factory is not taking an extended lunch break.
The first meaningful test comes November 17. Until then, save the track-by-track verdicts for when there’s an actual track to hear.
Kerry King of Slayer performing at Mayhem Festival 2009 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: Chris Norris.
Source: King’s announcement and podcast coverage.
About The Author:
Lucien Drake is a writer and archivist at Metal Lair, contributing across features, essays, cultural commentary, and long-form series including Deep Cuts, Road Riffs and editorial projects exploring music, memory, and resistance.
Known for treating heavy music as living history rather than nostalgia, Drake focuses on influence over canon, context over hype, and the stories that survive outside official timelines.
Read More From Lucien Drake:
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