Slayer, one of the most popular and influential metal bands of the past four decades, has announced its "final world tour" via a 30-second video.
"The end is near ... Slayer to make its exit with one, final world tour," the video reads.
"Slayer's final North American tour dates coming."
A subsequent release listed Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth and Testament as support acts on the tour.
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Along with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax, Slayer was one of the 'Big Four' thrash metal bands that exploded out of the 1980s.
The 'Angel of Death' rockers currently consist of two founding members: singer/bassist Tom Araya and guitarist Kerry King.
Drummer Dave Lombardo has left the band on at least three different occasions; for the most recent two he was replaced by former Exodus drummer Paul Bostaph.
Founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman died of alcoholism-related liver failure in 2013 and has been replaced by former Exodus guitarist Gary Holt.
Slayer's music is intense and physically challenging to play, so their retirement announcement, coming from a band that formed 37 years ago and whose members are in their mid-50s, may not be a total surprise for some.
Reuters / Newshub.
