In a thunderous revelation that has sent shockwaves through the global metal community, Judas Priest and Slayer—two titans of heavy music—have announced a historic collaboration titled “In Loving Memory Of…” The project, both an album and a co-headlining tour, is dedicated to honoring the lives and legacies of…

This unprecedented partnership marks the first time the British metal pioneers Judas Priest and American thrash legends Slayer have officially joined forces. Their announcement comes at a time when the metal community is actively reflecting on its roots, its heroes, and the lives that helped shape a genre defined by rebellion, power, and immortality through sound.

A Title That Speaks for a Generation

The project title, “In Loving Memory Of…”, was carefully chosen to represent more than just a musical endeavor. As Rob Halford of Judas Priest explained during the press announcement, “This isn’t just about our bands or even just about the music. It’s about every headbanger who’s lost a hero, every musician who carries the torch, and every fan who remembers where they came from. It’s our way of saying thank you—and goodbye.”

Slayer’s Kerry King added, “We grew up worshipping guys like Lemmy, Dio, and Jeff [Hanneman]. This is our tribute to them and the world they built for us. We’re putting everything into this.”

The Album: A Dual Tribute

Scheduled for release in November 2025, “In Loving Memory Of…” will be a full-length studio album featuring both original material and covers of songs by late metal legends. The album will be split into two halves—one produced primarily by Judas Priest’s members, the other by Slayer—with both bands performing together on every track.

Confirmed songs include:

• “Souls of Steel” – An original anthem that blends Priest’s melodic guitar leads with Slayer’s thrash-driven rhythm.
• “Iron Cross” – A blistering homage to Motörhead, echoing Lemmy’s unrelenting spirit.
• “Heaven Burns” – A heartfelt ballad-turned-explosion dedicated to Ronnie James Dio.
• “God Hates the Silent” – A reimagining of Slayer’s sound with Halford on vocals, inspired by the late Jeff Hanneman.
• “Electric Funeral (Redux)” – A heavy reinterpretation of Black Sabbath’s classic, closing the album with doom and glory.

The bands have confirmed that they’re working with longtime collaborators including producer Andy Sneap (Judas Priest) and former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo, who returns for several tracks.

A Memorial Tour Like No Other

Following the album’s release, Judas Priest and Slayer will embark on a joint international tour starting December 2025, covering over 40 cities across North America, Europe, and South America. The tour will feature a “Memorial Set” every night, a segment dedicated to a different fallen metal icon with visuals, spoken tributes, and musical dedications.

Special guests are expected to appear in select cities, including members of Metallica, Testament, and Anthrax. Fans will also have the opportunity to submit photos and stories about their favorite late artists to be displayed in the show’s digital “Wall of Memory” projected on-stage.

The tour will be Halford’s and King’s first time sharing the stage nightly—an unprecedented combination of two metal worlds colliding.

Metal Community Reacts

Reaction from fans and artists alike has been overwhelming. On social media, the hashtag #InLovingMemoryOf trended globally within hours. Corey Taylor of Slipknot wrote: “This is history in the making. Priest and Slayer together is what metal’s soul looks like.”

Younger fans, many of whom discovered Slayer and Priest after their prime, expressed gratitude for the chance to witness this alliance. One fan wrote, “This isn’t just a concert. It’s a funeral and a resurrection all in one.”

Final Words from the Legends

At the closing of the announcement event, both bands appeared together onstage for a symbolic lighting of a memorial flame, with candles representing Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy, Jeff Hanneman, Vinnie Paul, and Cliff Burton.

Rob Halford concluded the event with a message that resonated across generations:
“Some may be gone, but their riffs remain. Their screams still echo. This is for them—and for all of you who keep metal alive.”

“In Loving Memory Of…” is not just a tribute album or a tour—it is a living memorial, a resurrection of legacy through the unyielding force of heavy metal.

Tickets go on sale July 5th. Album pre-orders open June 28th via Nuclear Blast and Legacy Records.

— Long live metal. In loving memory of those who made it immortal.