Editing Slayer (section)

===Cancelled thirteenth studio album, Final World Tour and split (2016–2019)===
In August 2016, King was asked if Slayer would release a follow-up to ''Repentless''. He replied, "We've got lots of leftover material from the last album, 'cause we wrote so much stuff, and we recorded a bunch of it too. If the lyrics don't change the song musically, those songs are done. So we are way ahead of the ballgame without even doing anything for the next record. And I've been working on stuff on my downtime. Like, I'll warm up and a riff will come to mind and I'll record it. I've gotten a handful of those on this run. So wheels are still turning. I haven't worked on anything lyrically yet except for what was done on the last record, so that's something I've gotta get on. But, yeah, ''Repentless'' isn't quite a year old yet." King also stated that Slayer was not expected to enter the studio until at least 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=SLAYER Won't Record Follow-Up To 'Repentless' Before 2018|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-wont-record-follow-up-to-repentless-before-2018/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 14, 2016|access-date=August 15, 2016}}</ref> In an October interview on [[Hatebreed]] frontman [[Jamey Jasta]]'s podcast, King stated that he was "completely open" to having guitarist [[Gary Holt (musician)|Gary Holt]] (who had no songwriting contributions on ''Repentless'') involved in the songwriting process of the next Slayer album. He explained, "I'm entirely open to having Gary work on something. I know he's gotta work on an [[Exodus (band)|Exodus]] record and I've got tons already for this one. But, you know, if he's gonna stick around... I didn't want it on the last one, and I knew that. I'm completely open to having that conversation. I haven't talked to Tom about it, I haven't talked to Gary open about it, but I'm open. That's not saying it is or isn't gonna happen. But my ears are open."<ref>{{cite web|title=KERRY KING Is 'Completely Open' To Having GARY HOLT Contribute Song Ideas To Next SLAYER Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-is-completely-open-to-having-gary-holt-contribute-song-ideas-to-next-slayer-album/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=October 15, 2016|access-date=February 18, 2017}}</ref>

In a June 2017 interview with the [[Ultimate Guitar Archive]], Holt said that he was ready to contribute with the songwriting for the next album.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gary-holt-is-ready-to-write-music-for-slayer/|title=GARY HOLT Is 'Ready' To Write Music For SLAYER|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=June 15, 2017}}</ref> When speaking to ''[[Revolver (magazine)|Revolver]]'', King was asked if there were any plans in place for the band to begin working on the album, he said, "Funny thing is, ''Repentless'' isn't even two years old yet, though it seems like it is. But from that session, there are six or eight songs that are recorded—some with vocals, some with leads, but all with keeper guitar, drums and bass. So when those songs get finished lyrically, if the lyrics don't change the songs, they'll be ready to be on the next record. So we already have more than half a record complete, if those songs make it." He also gave conceivable consideration that it could be released next year, "I'm certainly not gonna promise it, because every time I do, I make a liar of myself! [Laughs]"<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-says-its-conceivable-that-slayer-could-release-new-album-in-2018/|title=KERRY KING Says It's 'Conceivable' That SLAYER Could Release New Album In 2018|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=July 10, 2017}}</ref> When asked about any plans or the timeline the band would like to release the album, King said, "It depends on touring—getting time to rehearse, getting time to make up new stuff. We haven't even done Australia on this run yet at all. We're hitting Japan finally later this year. But if things go well, I'd like to record next year. But timelines change ''all'' the time."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kerry-king-would-like-to-record-next-slayer-album-in-2018/|title=KERRY KING Would Like To Record Next SLAYER Album In 2018|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=August 21, 2017}}</ref> In an October 2017 interview, Holt once again expressed his desire to contribute to the songwriting for the next Slayer album, saying, "When that time comes and we are ready for the next album, if Kerry wants me to contribute, I've got riffs. I've got stuff right now that I've written that I am not using for Exodus, because it was kind of maybe just unintentional subconscious thing, like, 'It sounds a little too Slayer.{{'"}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Gary Holt: What's the Difference Between Exodus & Slayer in Songwriting Terms|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/gary_holt_whats_the_difference_between_exodus__slayer_in_songwriting_terms.html|work=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive|Ultimate-Guitar.com]]|date=October 12, 2016|access-date=October 13, 2017}}</ref>

Plans for a new album were ultimately scrapped when on January 22, 2018, Slayer announced [[Slayer Farewell Tour|their farewell world tour]] through a video featuring a montage of press clippings, early posters and press photos spanning the band's entire career. Although the members of Slayer have never publicly explained why they were retiring, it was thought that one of the reasons behind this decision was [[Tom Araya]]'s desire not to tour anymore and to spend more time with his family; Araya hinted at the possibility of retiring in a 2016 interview.<ref name="farewell tour">{{cite web|last1=Hill|first1=John|title=BREAKING NEWS: Slayer Announce Farewell Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/breaking-news-slayer-announce-farewell-tour/|website=Loudwire|access-date=January 22, 2018|date=January 22, 2018}}</ref> This was confirmed by former drummer [[Dave Lombardo]] in a 2019 interview, who said: "Apparently, from what I hear. Tom has been wanting to retire when I was in the band—he wanted to stop. He had the neck issues. He's been wanting to retire for a long time now. So now that he's got it, I'm happy for him, and I hope he gets what he wants out of life and his future."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennelty |first1=Greg |title=Dave Lombardo Says SLAYER's Tom Araya Has Wanted To Retire Since Dave Was In The Band |url=https://metalinjection.net/shocking-revelations/dave-lombardo-says-slayers-tom-araya-has-wanted-to-retire-since-dave-was-in-the-band |website=Metal Injection |date=September 19, 2019 |access-date=3 May 2021}}</ref>

The farewell tour began with a North American trek in May and June 2018, supported by [[Lamb of God (band)|Lamb of God]], [[Anthrax (American band)|Anthrax]], [[Behemoth (band)|Behemoth]] and [[Testament (band)|Testament]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hartmann|first1=Graham|title=Slayer Recruit Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth + Testament for Final Tour|url=http://loudwire.com/slayer-lamb-of-god-anthrax-behemoth-testament-final-tour/|website=Loudwire|access-date=January 22, 2018|date=January 22, 2018}}</ref> The second leg of the North American tour took place in July and August, with [[Napalm Death]] replacing Behemoth,<ref>{{cite web|title=SLAYER Announces Second North American Leg Of 'Final' Tour|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-second-north-american-leg-of-final-tour/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=March 5, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2018}}</ref> followed in November and December by a European tour with Lamb of God, Anthrax and [[Obituary (band)|Obituary]].<ref>{{cite web|title=SLAYER To Tour Europe With LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX And OBITUARY|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-to-tour-europe-with-lamb-of-god-anthrax-and-obituary/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 8, 2018|access-date=May 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SLAYER Announces Final European Tour With LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX And OBITUARY|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-final-european-tour-with-lamb-of-god-anthrax-and-obituary/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=May 11, 2018|access-date=May 14, 2018}}</ref> The farewell tour continued into 2019, with plans to visit places such as South America, Australia and Japan; in addition to European festivals such as [[Hellfest (French music festival)|Hellfest]] and [[Graspop]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayers-final-world-tour-will-extend-into-2019/|title=SLAYER's Final World Tour Will Extend Into 2019|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=August 27, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SLAYER To Play 'Last French Show Ever' At Next Year's HELLFEST|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-to-play-last-french-show-ever-at-next-years-hellfest/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=June 25, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2018}}</ref> The band toured the United States in May 2019 with Lamb of God, [[Amon Amarth]] and [[Cannibal Corpse]].<ref>{{cite news|title=SLAYER Announces North American Tour With LAMB OF GOD, AMON AMARTH, CANNIBAL CORPSE; BLABBERMOUTH.NET Presale|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-north-american-tour-with-lamb-of-god-amon-amarth-cannibal-corpse-blabbermouth-net-presale/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 13, 2018|date=December 10, 2018}}</ref> Slayer also played one show in Mexico at Force Fest in October 2018.<ref name="force fest">{{cite web|title=Slayer y su despedida en el Force Fest 2018|url=http://gritaradio.com/slayer-y-su-despedida-en-el-force-fest-2018/|work=gritaradio.com|date=August 8, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223218/http://gritaradio.com/slayer-y-su-despedida-en-el-force-fest-2018/|archive-date=August 21, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/slayer_system_of_a_down_alice_in_chains_lamb_of_god_anthrax_testament_exodus_danzig_etc_on_the_bill_for_mexicos_forcefest.html|title=Slayer, System Of A Down, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Testament, Exodus, Danzig, Etc. on the Bill for Mexico's ForceFest|publisher=[[Ultimate Guitar Archive|Ultimate-Guitar.com]]|date=August 16, 2018|access-date=August 21, 2018}}</ref>

On December 2, 2018, Holt announced that he would not perform the remainder of the band's European tour to be with his dying father. [[Vio-lence]] and former [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]] guitarist [[Phil Demmel]] would fill in for him as a result.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/gary-holt-to-miss-rest-of-slayer-european-tour-ex-machine-head-guitarist-phil-demmel-to-step-in/|title=GARY HOLT To Miss Rest Of SLAYER European Tour; Ex-MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL To Step In|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ex-machine-head-guitarist-phil-demmel-its-beyond-my-utmost-honor-to-fill-in-for-gary-holt-on-slayer-tour/|title=Ex-MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL: 'It's Beyond My Utmost Honor' To Fill In For GARY HOLT On SLAYER Tour|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-performs-with-ex-machine-head-guitarist-phil-demmel-for-first-time-video/|title=SLAYER Performs With Ex-MACHINE HEAD Guitarist PHIL DEMMEL For First Time (Video)|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=December 3, 2018}}</ref>

Holt had stated that Slayer would not release a new album before the end of the farewell tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Will There Be A New SLAYER Studio Album? 'I'd Say It's A No,' Says GARY HOLT|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/will-there-be-a-new-slayer-studio-album-id-say-its-a-no-says-gary-holt/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=January 25, 2018|access-date=January 26, 2018}}</ref> On how long the tour would last, Holt's Exodus bandmate [[Steve Souza|Steve "Zetro" Souza]] commented, "I'm speculating it's gonna take a year and a half or two years to do the one final thing, but I believe it's finished. Everybody knows what I know; just because I'm on the outside, I have no insight on that."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/no-new-exodus-album-until-end-of-2019-at-the-earliest/|title=No New EXODUS Album Until End Of 2019 At The Earliest|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=February 22, 2018|access-date=February 9, 2019}}</ref> The final North American leg of the tour, dubbed "The Last Campaign", took place in November 2019, and also included support from [[Primus (band)|Primus]], [[Ministry (band)|Ministry]] and [[Phil Anselmo|Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals]].<ref name="final campaign">{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-announces-the-final-campaign-tour-dates-with-primus-ministry-and-philip-h-anselmo-the-illegals/|title=SLAYER Announces 'The Final Campaign' Tour Dates With PRIMUS, MINISTRY And PHILIP H. ANSELMO & THE ILLEGALS|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=July 9, 2019|access-date=July 9, 2019}}</ref> Despite being referred to as a farewell tour for Slayer, their manager Rick Sales has stated that "the band is not breaking up, they made a decision to stop touring. That doesn't mean the end of the band. It’s just the end of touring".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.masslive.com/entertainment/2019/11/massachusetts-born-slayer-manager-finds-end-bittersweet.html|title=Massachusetts-born Slayer manager Rick Sales finds end bittersweet|publisher=[[List of Advance Publications subsidiaries|masslive.com]]|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019}}</ref> Kristen Mulderig, who works with Rick Sales Entertainment Group, has also been quoted as saying that there would be Slayer-related activities following the tour's conclusion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pollstar.com/article/farewell-slayer-thrash-pioneers-to-reign-in-blood-forever-141203|title=Farewell Slayer: Thrash Pioneers To Reign In Blood Forever|publisher=[[Pollstar]]|date=October 1, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019}}</ref> However, within two days after the tour's completion, King's wife Ayesha stated on her Instagram page that there is "not a chance in hell" that Slayer would ever reunite to perform more shows or release new music.<ref name="notachance">{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/there-is-not-a-chance-in-hell-slayer-will-ever-reunite-says-kerry-kings-wife/|title=There Is 'Not A Chance In Hell' SLAYER Will Ever Reunite, Says KERRY KING's Wife|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 2, 2019|access-date=December 2, 2019}}</ref>