In a recent conversation with Marko Syrjala from Metal-Rules, Death Angel frontman Mark Osegueda shared insights on his experience joining Kerry King's solo band, particularly addressing the reactions from Slayer's devoted fanbase. The setlist for Kerry King's solo shows typically includes a few Slayer tracks alongside several songs from King's debut solo album, From Hell I Rise, which was released in May.
Osegueda acknowledged that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive since they started touring. "The feedback since we've been touring has been absolutely incredible. A lot of people who have the record actually prefer the live performance, and it's made them appreciate the record even more," he explained.
Osegueda noted that the band’s live performances have evolved significantly, with the members developing a tighter chemistry on stage. " Of course, many have seen us live and noticed our progression because we're a relatively new band. How we work together and play off each other on stage has improved leaps and bounds over the last few weeks. So, when we're up there, we're like a machine, and we're killing it."
Osegueda also discussed his interactions with Slayer's diehard fans, who initially were unsure about how the new lineup would handle Slayer’s iconic material. However, as Osegueda shared, many fans have expressed satisfaction with the band's live renditions. "I've talked to many of the diehard Slayer fans, and they've said, 'We didn't know what to expect, but you're doing those Slayer songs justice,'" he said, emphasizing his commitment to delivering performances that honor the legacy of Slayer.
When asked about the technical challenges of singing Slayer's classic tracks, Osegueda was candid about his passion for the material and his respect for Slayer’s original vocalist, Tom Araya. "I love to do it. I love singing Tom's stuff. I say that because I'm a Slayer fan, plain and simple. I think Tom has an iconic voice, one that I've always liked and respected. When I perform those songs, I try to do him justice."
He mentioned that while the phrasing presents a challenge at times, he feels confident in his ability to capture the spirit of the original performances: “The most difficult part tends to be the phrasing, especially when he does the fast bits. There's some rapid-fire delivery in those songs, and that's probably the most challenging aspect. But range-wise, I think we're pretty similar, though maybe some of my highs reflect younger Tom. I love doing it, for sure. As I said, I just try to do my best for the Slayer legacy and the fans who love Slayer”
