In a new interview, Slayer's Tom Araya and Kerry King revealed that the legendary thrash band was no longer signed to Rick Rubin's label, American Recordings. The news was quite surprising, as the band have worked with Rubin ever since recording 'Reign in Blood' in 1986. However, it turns out Slayer may be sticking with Rubin, as evidenced in an official statement from the band.

While Rubin was still under the Def Jam label, he made a huge push to sign Slayer and produce an album for them. After successfully signing Slayer, Rubin produced a little album called 'Reign in Blood.' Needless to say, Slayer and Rick Rubin made a damn good team, and ever since the pinnacle 1986 album, Rick Rubin has produced every single Slayer record following 'Reign in Blood.'

During an interview with Fuse (watch below), Araya described Slayer's relationship with their longtime producer. “I asked our manager to reach out to him, but no response or reply. Yeah, so that’s kinda sad.”

However, in a new statement released by Slayer's manager, Rick Sales, it turns out Rubin is not out of the picture [via MetalSucks]:

With Jeff [Hanneman'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.

With Slayer currently browsing through late guitarist Jeff Hanneman's audio library and jamming on a couple of other Hanneman-penned pieces, it would be great if Rick Rubin was there to give Slayer's next album his personal touch. Stay tuned for further updates on Slayer's partnership with Rubin and everything concerning the band's 11th studio album.

Slayer on New Album & Losing Jeff Hanneman

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