In a world where metal legends often share their influences and inspirations, it’s always a treat when an iconic figure like Slayer’s Kerry King, reflects on the genre’s history — especially when he gives us a glimpse into his personal favorites.
In a recent interview with Australia’s Wall Of Sound, King revealed his thoughts on which Black Sabbath album he’d choose if Earth was being blown up, he was boarding a big spaceship and was only allowed to take one Sabbath record with him, and his answer might surprise you.
“I would take… It’s easy and it’s hard ‘cause I’m a super Ronnie James Dio fan,” King admitted (as transcribed by Blabbermouth), acknowledging his deep admiration for the Sabbath frontman who shaped albums like Heaven and Hell. But when it came time to pick just one LP to take on a spaceship as Earth faced annihilation, it was Sabotage, the band’s sixth studio album from 1975, that stood out to him. “Something about the vibe on that record. It’s cool. I mean, they’re all cool, but something about that one,” King continued. He singled out Symptom of the Universe as a standout track, describing it as “nonstop badassery.”
It’s actually not the first time King has spoken fondly of Sabotage. In 2017, he named the album as one of his 10 favorite metal albums when chatting with Rolling Stone. “Sabotage is just a very heavy record, there's so much good stuff on there” he explained, pointing out its intensity and enduring appeal.
“As I picked these records, I picked the ones I'm compelled to play if I'm working out or driving, and Sabotage was my choice for Black Sabbath. It has 'Megalomania', 'Symptom Of The Universe', which has definitely got attitude, 'Hole In The Sky'. And it has the instrumental 'Supertzar'. I love that one. It grips me for some reason," King added.
