Although Slayer have a way to go in recording their next album and there is no set timetable for when it may come out, guitarist Kerry King has stated that he is "very comfortable saying" that the record will see a 2013 release date.

'That Metal Show' host Eddie Trunk spoke with King at the 2013 NAMM convention and nabbed a comment from the legendary thrash guitarist.

"We have two songs that we completed last May and just need mixing," reveals King. "We have another that just needs vocals and leads and me and [drummer] Dave [Lombardo] are working on a complete new one that we haven't demoed. The whole hold-up now that seems to happen with every album we do is that Rick Rubin wants to change distributors. So we're left in limbo until he lands somewhere. Realistically we are without a deal, but we plan on staying with Rick. When that gets settled we will start recording. I'm very comfortable saying that it will be out this year."

King also commented on the health of guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who is still recovering from necrotizing fasciitis after suffering a spider bite. "Not to sound weird, but when you get off tour, you scatter. And [it's not] because I hate him, I don't talk to him because I had enough of him! I don't even talk to [singer] Tom [Araya]. The only reason I talk to Dave is that we rehearse all the time. When I go off tour I just want to go chill and be Kerry, not Kerry King. From what I know he's still trying to get basic in the game."

Hanneman has unfortunately not been able to contribute to the next Slayer record as of yet. "I have enough material on my own if need be, but I'm open," King says. "If Jeff comes to the party with some new material, hell ya! I will play all the guitars. I've been playing all the guitars for years anyway, except for Jeff's leads."

Check out Eddie Trunk's full interview with Kerry King below.

Slayer's Kerry King Talks With Eddie Trunk

 

More From Loudwire