Yesterday, Tom Araya and Kerry King let it slip that Slayer are currently without a label. They even insinuated that they couldn’t get Rick Rubin or American Recordings to call them back. However, Slayer’s manager Rick Sales has just issued a statement claiming that the band hasn’t been ignored by their longtime label, and that there’s still a chance of resigning with American Recordings.
Stating that American Recordings simply wanted to give Slayer space while they mourn the passing of Jeff Hanneman, Sales gave the following explanation:
“With Jeff’s tragic passing and Slayer’s eventual hectic touring schedule over the past several months, there has been a bit of mutual ‘holding off ‘ on jumping into any new long term recording commitment, but we would like to clarify the comments that Tom and Kerry made in the Fuse interview.
It is true that Slayer is currently out of contract, as they delivered their final required album to American Recordings some time ago. Rick Rubin began a new distribution agreement with Universal last year and American/Universal absolutely has made a significant proposal to re-sign the band.
Both parties had been in substantial negotiation over that proposal at the time of Jeff’s passing; and in fairness to everyone, a little space has been given on all sides in terms of closing any new deal. We are excited about the possibility of re-signing with Rick Rubin’s venture, and are also considering several other options that have been presented since the previous long term contract with American expired.
The band has been taking much needed time to regroup and consider their various options for the future, and looks forward to a new beginning, wherever that may be.”
So there you have it, American Recordings wasn’t giving Slayer the cold shoulder. However, Sales does admit that they are considering other options. So though re-signing with American Recordings seems like a strong possibility, there’s still room for plenty of speculation regarding a new label home for Slayer.
