Ultimate Jam Night has been held at the iconic Whisky a Go Go and is currently celebrating its third year; a weekly jam night that is unrehearsed held every Tuesday in West Hollywood, California, and free to the public. Tuesday, March 13, wasn’t any jam night as Ultimate Jam presented an All-Star tribute to Slayer, honoring their final tour.
Some of the who ’s who in the Thrash Metal scene, including all members of Prong, also members of W.A.S.P., I am Morbid, Danzig, Huntress, Hellyeah and Snot to name a few. Hosted by Forrest McKinnon and Jesse Snider while broadcasted live at Heavymetaltelevision.com
Slayer is known for being one of the “Big 4.” in the Thrash Metal scene. Formed in 1981 by vocalist Tom Araya, guitarist Kerry King, and Jeff Hanneman and later drummer, Dave Lombardo joined in, based out of Huntington Park, California. The current lineup consists of vocalist Tom Araya, guitarist Kerry King, and Gary Holt along with drummer Jon Dette. Slayer’s been the thrash metal pioneers for close to four decades, releasing twelve studio albums.
In January of this year, Slayer announced their retirement and would embark on a final tour. UJN featured fifty-four musicians who were influenced by Slayer.
Opening this night was Agnozia from Portland, Oregon. Frontman Nicholos Courtney, guitarist’s Danny and Jimmy Littlefield, bassist Jo Bierbrauer and drummer Mike Townsend.
Let’s get started.
South of Heaven from the song titled album released in 1988 featuring vocalist Jessie Snider (The Jessie Snider Band), bassist Jason Christopher (Prong/Ministry), guitarist Steve Smyth (One Machine/Nevermore/Forbidden/Testament) and Ira Black (I Am Morbid/Westfield Massacre), drummer Mike Dupke (WASP/Dee Snider).
Also, Die by the Sword from the album released 1983 Show No Mercy.
Repentless from the song titled album released in 2015. Played by five young men, proving Slayer influences all generations. From the band Divine Retribution, vocalist Nicky Waggoner, guitarist Matthew Perez, and Ira Black lV, bassist Nathan Bramsway, drummer Austin Waggoner.
Debuting at #44 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold in 1992, Seasons In the Abyss released in 1990. Seasons In the Abyss featuring vocalist/bassist Gabriel Connor (Red Devil Vortex), guitarist Pablo Kravitz (Red Devil Vortex) and Mike Kang (Attika7), drummer Eduardo Baldo (Hiberia/Blaze the Thunder).
Also, Bloodline from the album released in 2001 God Hates Us All.
Slayer decided to make a change signing with Def Jam, releasing a shorter, faster song format, creating controversy with the parent company Colombia Records which refused to release the album. Reign In Blood released in 1986 by Geffen. The first of many songs played off this album.
Necrophobic featuring vocalist Natalie “Nova” Toppo (Beyond the Roots), guitarist Steve Smyth (One Machine/Nevermore/Forbidden/Testament) and Eli Santana (Huntress), bassist Jerry Montano (Hellyeah/Danzig/The Damage), drummer Lonny Pasillas (Eminent).
Also, Jesus Saves from the album Reign In Blood.
Alter of Sacrifice featuring vocalist Carl Bensley (Snot), guitarist JD McGibney (While Riding A Dragon) and Eli Santana (Huntress), bassist Erik Tisinger (Westfield Massacre), drummer Silvestre Rojas (Forgotten Legion/Anti Hero/Latin Grammy Winner CNCO).
Also, Mandatory Suicide from the album released in 1988 South of Heaven.
Continuing with the album Reign In Blood, Piece By Piece featuring vocalist Carl Bensley (Snot), guitarist Ira Black (I Am Morbid) and Tommy Victor (Prong), bassist Jason Christopher and drummer Art Cruz (Prong).
Raining Blood featuring bassist but on vocals Jason Christopher (Prong), guitarist Tommy Victor (Prong), bassist Jerry Montano (Danzig/The Damage), drummer Art Cruz (Prong).
South of Heaven was Slayer’s commercially successful release, debuting at #57 on the Billboard 200 and their second gold album.
Live Undead from the album South of Heaven featuring guitarist but on vocals Eli Santana (Huntress), guitarist Joe Faulob (Trauma/Danzig) and Steve Smyth (One Machine/Nevermore/Forbidden/Testament), bassist Greg Christian (Trauma/Testament), drummer Aquiles Preister (AGRA/Tony McAlpine).
Also, Hell Awaits from the song titled album released in 1985.
Slayer released a three-song EP in 1985, called Haunting the Chapel, a little darker and more thrash-oriented style.
Chemical Warfare from the EP Haunting the Chapel featuring bassist but on vocals, Jerry Montano (Danzig/The Damage), guitarist Ira Black (I Am Morbid) and Joe Fraulob (Trauma/Danzig), staying on bass Greg Christian (Trauma/Testament), returning drummer Lonny Pasillas (Eminent).
In 1990 Slayer hit their stride, co-headlining the European Clash of the Titans tour with other major bands, such as Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, and Testament. Sold out shows. The next three songs from the album Season In the Abyss.
War Ensemble from the album Season In the Abyss featuring vocalist Jordan Sassone (Darksun), guitarist Lucas Kanopa (Void Vator/Heaven Below) and Doc Coyle (God Forbid/Bad Wolves), bassist Chris Dale (Darksun), drummer Art Cruz (Prong).
Also, Dead Skin Mask drummer replacement Mike Dupke (WASP/Dee Snider), and Spirit In Black with drummer Art Cruz (Prong).
Continuing with Season In the Abyss, Hallowed Point featuring vocalist Robert Madrigal (Death by Stereo/Kaustik), guitarist Stephen Brewer (Westfield Massacre) and Dan Palmer (Death by Stereo), bassist Jessie Sanchez (Warbinger), drummer Jimmy Littlefield (Agnozia).
Also, Postmortem guitarist replacement Dino Cazares (Asesino).
Ghosts of War from the album South of Heaven guitarist replacement Ira Black (I Am Morbid) and a young rising guitarist from Brazil, an ESP artist Luis Kalil.
“Night will come and I will follow. For my victims no tomorrow”………
The beginning lyrics of Criminally Insane off the album Reign In Blood featuring vocalist Stephen Cummings (Sixes), guitarist Johnny Blade (The Young Royals) and Markus Svensson (Nuclear Salvation), bassist Shannon Bizzy (Slut/The Young Royals), drummer Steve Haaker (Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse).
Also, The Antichrist from the album Show No Mercy.
God Hates Us All released September 11, 2001, was Slayer’s first Grammy nomination.
Disciple from the album God Hates Us All; a vocalist change, Matt Williams (Delphian) and drummer Mike Dupke (W.A.S.P/Dee Snider).
To end this night honoring forty years of Slayer.
Angel of Death from the album Reign In Blood featuring on vocals Jason Christopher (Prong), guitarist Ira Black and Joe Fraulob, bassist Jerry Montano, drummer Mike Dupke.
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My personal note, I know this is long, but I wanted to make sure everyone received credit for being a part of this special night, I apologize I didn’t get photos of everyone.
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