Today, the official Slayer Facebook feed surprised us all with this:
Slayer is devastated to inform that their bandmate and brother, Jeff Hanneman, passed away at about 11AM this morning near his Southern California home. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry, and will be sorely missed.
Our Brother Jeff Hanneman, May He Rest In Peace (1964 – 2013)
Last Rites is also devastated. Slayer is an institution, a universal favorite, a band that can only be described as godly. Jeff Hanneman’s contributions to Slayer and to metal cannot be overstated, but in times like these, it’s best to let the man’s talents speak for themselves. Here are six reasons why Jeff Hanneman is a metal god:
(“Die By The Sword” from Show No Mercy, Metal Blade, 1983 — music & lyrics: Hanneman)
(“Chemical Warfare” from Haunting The Chapel, Metal Blade, 1984; music & lyrics: Hanneman / King, this version live in 1985)
(“At Dawn They Sleep” from Hell Awaits, Metal Blade, 1985; music: Hanneman/King/Araya, lyrics by Hanneman)
(“Angel Of Death” from Reign In Blood, Def Jam, 1986; music & lyrics: Hanneman)
(“Spill The Blood” from South Of Heaven, Def Jam, 1988; music & lyrics: Hanneman)
(“War Ensemble” from Seasons In The Abyss, Def American, 1990; music: Hanneman, lyrics: Hanneman/Araya)
Rest in piece, Jeff Hanneman — metal is better because of you, and we will miss you.
