Tom Araya (SLAYER) History

Tom Araya is the frontman for the heavy thrash metal band Slayer. He is best known for his very ranged vocals, high pitched screams, and stage performance. Slayer was formed in 1981 by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, they later recruited bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and Drummer Dave Lombardo. Their first album Show No Mercy (1983) wasn't a huge hit but it did generate a popular underground crowd which got them to be more known. They then released an EP called Haunting the Chapel (1984) which layed the groundwork for the future direction of the band. The next year in 1985, they had their second full release Hell Awaits. From there the bands popularity went up. There next three albums Reign in Blood (1986), South of Heaven (1988), and Seasons in the Abyss (1990) were a huge success. But then sadly drummer Dave Lombardo left the band due to conflicts and was replaced by Paul Bostaph. They released four more albums with Bostaph, then in 2006 Lombardo came back and Christ Illusion was released. They have just recently released World Painted Blood (2009) and are continuing to rock out and hopefully they keep it all going since rumors have been that they will be slowing down.