When Metal Started Getting Heavy

In a recent Miami New Times article, Slayer bassist/vocalist Tom Araya spit and giggled about his Texas cattle ranch ("I don't have a slaughterhouse"), religion ("I was born and raised Catholic, so it's in my blood"), and his favorite parts of the local bookstore ("I like anything that captures my attention: new-age, religion, philosophy. True crime books are my favorite; there are a lot of brutal ones"). Perhaps most interesting, though, are the records he cites as faves.

I love Graceland by Paul Simon. I am a huge fan of the Beatles. I like the Eagles, Cat Stevens. I grew up listening to Sixties music: Janis Joplin, Hendrix, the Doors, Yes, the Who. I grew up listening to all that shit. I listen to everything, even the great sounds of the Seventies. Bands like Boston and Van Halen. That was when metal started getting heavy. (via)

Wonder if he'd dig Vampire Weekend? More importantly: When did the man who released God Hates Us All and belted out "Necrophiliac" become our spiritualist new age Dad? Well, better that than Ozzy.

Posted at 11:54 AM
Tags: Slayer