Angel of Death by Slayer

Step into the blistering world of thrash metal with our Angel of Death guitar lesson from Slayer, one of the genre’s most iconic and aggressive songs. At Licklibrary.com, we deliver a meticulous, note-for-note breakdown of this monumental track, focusing on the advanced techniques that define its ferocious style. Whether you're looking to master high-speed riffing, precise rhythm execution, or searing lead guitar work, this lesson is a treasure trove of techniques that every aspiring metal guitarist should explore. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

"Angel of Death" opens Slayer’s landmark 1986 album Reign in Blood, often considered one of the greatest thrash metal records of all time. The song is a masterclass in speed, aggression, and technical proficiency. With a breakneck tempo, rapid-fire riffs, and fierce solos, it's an essential study piece for any guitarist looking to expand their skills in extreme metal guitar playing.

Guitarists Behind the Track

The track features Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, two guitarists whose contributions redefined heavy music. Their playing styles perfectly complement each other: Hanneman often delivered chaotic, punk-infused aggression, while King brought a more precise, technically fluid approach. Together, they forged Slayer’s signature sound — a razor-sharp blend of speed, dissonance, and evil-sounding harmony. Learning from their work is not only a journey through technique but also an insight into shaping tone and attitude in metal guitar.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques in 'Angel of Death'

Palm Muting

Palm muting is fundamental in this song’s rhythm work. It delivers the tight, chugging effect that underpins the verses and adds percussive clarity to the blistering alternate-picked riffs. This technique is crucial for achieving a precise and controlled metal tone, especially at high speeds.

Alternate Picking

This track is a prime example of alternate picking at its most demanding. The galloping rhythms and fast chromatic runs require clean, economical motion with strict timing. Mastering this will vastly improve your speed and synchronisation across strings.

Tremolo Picking

Many of the track’s high-speed riffs employ tremolo picking, a staple of extreme metal that creates a sense of urgency and aggression. Practicing this technique improves your stamina and picking accuracy, essential for fast-paced playing.

String Bending & Pinched Harmonics

Slayer’s solos often feature expressive string bending and aggressive pinched harmonics, giving the lead lines a piercing, vocal-like quality. These add emotion and edge to solos and are invaluable tools for developing your own expressive phrasing.

Dive Bombs & Whammy Bar Tricks

Dive bombs, created using the whammy bar, are signature moments in Kerry King's solos. These dramatic pitch drops and squeals, known as dive bombs and whammy bar tricks, add chaos and flair. Learning these can help develop dynamic soloing and stage presence.

Trills and Legato

Speed and fluidity in the solos often come from the use of trills and legato phrasing. These techniques reduce pick-hand involvement, allowing for rapid execution and smoother transitions, especially in fast licks.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The rapid melodic lines in the solos frequently utilise hammer-ons and pull-offs. These foundational legato techniques are key for achieving fluid phrasing and conserving picking energy during fast runs.

Rakes and Slides

Adding to the solo texture are rakes and slides, which give transitions a gritty, percussive effect and add an unhinged attitude to fast lead lines. These techniques enhance your dynamic control and articulation.

Power Chords

Throughout the song, power chords deliver crushing heaviness. Tight muting and accurate rhythm work here help you hone control and clarity in aggressive riffing.

Why Learn 'Angel of Death'?

Learning this track offers an unmatched workout for metal guitarists. From breakneck picking to chaotic solos, every second challenges your coordination, endurance, and musical aggression. The techniques you’ll encounter translate across many sub-genres of rock and metal, making this not just a song study, but a toolkit of pro-level skills.

You'll also gain an appreciation for how guitarists like King and Hanneman created tension and release through unconventional phrasing and ferocious tone. Their influence continues to echo through generations of metal, from death metal to modern metal-core.

Guitar Techniques Featured in this Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Tremolo Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Dive Bombs
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Trills
• Legato
• Rakes
• Slides
• Power Chords

Whether you’re a metalhead guitarist or simply looking to challenge your chops, our Angel of Death guitar lesson is the ultimate technical gauntlet. Dive in, turn up, and prepare for riff carnage!