Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California, formed in 1981 by Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, Dave Lombardo, and Tom Araya. Known for their fast and aggressive style, Slayer is regarded as one of the "big four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Their music often tackles controversial topics such as war, religion, and the occult, which has sparked criticism and censorship but also influenced countless metal bands. The classic lineup featured King and Hanneman as primary songwriters, with Araya on vocals and bass. Their 1986 album Reign in Blood is considered a landmark in heavy metal. Slayer released twelve studio albums and won two Grammy Awards before disbanding in 2019, later reuniting for select shows from 2024. The current lineup includes King, Araya, Paul Bostaph, and Gary Holt.