‘Judas Priest’ Heavily Impacted ‘Slayer’: Guitarist Kerry King Reveals How

Despite being one of the most recognizable bands in the metal rock industry, Slayer knows how to look back and recognize the groups that came before them. Guitarist Kerry King recently opened up about a specific band that heavily impacted their career.

As the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2022's induction class announcement is fast-approaching, the musician is doing his best for Judas Priest to be included in the line-up.

King wrote an article for Rolling Stone where he detailed how the band left a long-lasting mark in their career as well as why they should be inducted.

Looking back at the music acts that the Rock Hall previously recognized, the musician noted that there were people who asked the question, "how did they get in above these other bands?"

He also noted that it became a "popularity contest" instead of adding the deserving ones, and he believes that Judas Priest deserves the honor of being included in the list as they have been in the industry for over five decades, longer than Slayer. (via Loudwire)

Speaking about the metal band's influence on their group, King recalled the time when they were living in Los Angeles when "British Steel" came out; he said he immediately "latched" into the songs from the record.

At the time, he was a "young guitar player," and Judas Priest's creativity inspired what Slayer became over the following years.

King also commended his favorite singer, frontman Rob Halford, saying he has a huge stage presence and persona. He also pointed out how grand his entrances are whenever they go on tour.

"The band was always on the stage and then when Rob came out, it was just that much bigger. And his voice... It's like Eddie Van Halen playing guitar; that's Rob Halford singing," the guitarist added.

With regards to his sentiments for Priest's fate at the Rock Hall, King said he would vote for the band without any question.

He also called out the people who are voting for the bands to be inducted, saying they would go for the more prominent bands, and "that says nothing for Priest's longevity and the things they've done.

Per the outlet, Judas Priest is currently in sixth place for the "fan ballot" voting.

Tags

Kerry King, Slayer, Judas Priest