Even heavy metal bands that celebrate the dark arts get older and contemplate retirement, and that's exactly what's happened with thrash-metal legends Slayer, who are on the final leg of their lengthy farewell tour. It's the culmination of a career that began in California in the early 1980s with Tom Araya (vocals/bass) and Kerry King (guitar). Along with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax, Slayer were part of the so-called "Big Four" of thrash metal, combining punk energy with old-school heavy metal intensity.
The years haven't tempered any of Slayer's musical brutality, but the members have decided that it's time to get off the road. Since the death of guitarist Jeff Hanneman in 2013, the band has been winding down, releasing its final studio album, Repentless, in 2015, and starting its farewell tour last year. Even decades later, Slayer classics like "Reign in Blood," "South of Heaven" and "Seasons in the Abyss" hit audiences hard, and the metal titans are making sure to go out with their dark power intact.
MGM Grand, 6 p.m. Nov. 27, starting at $49.50 plus tax and fee. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
