In a thunderous announcement that has sent shockwaves through the heavy metal community, iconic bands **Judas Priest** and **Slayer** are joining forces for a monumental new project: a tribute album titled *In Loving Memory Of…* and a massive co-headlining world tour to follow. Celebrated as two of the most influential names in the genre, this unprecedented collaboration pays homage to fallen metal legends, while reigniting the flame of classic heavy metal for a new generation.
**‘In Loving Memory Of…’ — A Tribute to the Titans**
Set for release this fall, *In Loving Memory Of…* is a concept tribute album dedicated to some of the most revered figures in metal history. Featuring covers and reimaginings of iconic tracks by legends like Ronnie James Dio, Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead), Jeff Hanneman (Slayer), and Dimebag Darrell (Pantera), the album blends the blistering speed and aggression of Slayer with the soaring melodies and powerhouse vocals of Judas Priest.
Each track will feature joint performances by members of both bands, along with guest appearances from artists such as Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society), and Rob Zombie. The album is being co-produced by Andy Sneap and Terry Date, ensuring the sonic weight and authenticity fans demand.
Frontman **Rob Halford** of Judas Priest shared his excitement:
*”This album is a tribute to the brothers we’ve lost — not just musicians, but giants whose spirits live on through the music. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s heavy as hell.”*
Slayer’s **Kerry King**, returning after the band’s 2019 farewell tour, added:
*”We never thought we’d reunite like this, but the cause brought us together. This is for Jeff, for Dime, for everyone who built this thing we call metal.”*
**A Co-Headlining Tour for the Ages**
To promote the album, Judas Priest and Slayer will embark on the *“In Loving Memory Tour”* beginning in early 2026. The tour will span over 40 cities across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Promising a high-octane celebration of heavy metal’s enduring legacy, the shows will feature full sets from both bands, collaborative performances, and surprise guest appearances.
The stage production is rumored to be a visual spectacle, with pyrotechnics, LED backdrops, and immersive tributes to the fallen heroes being honored. Longtime fans can expect classic hits like “Painkiller,” “Angel of Death,” “South of Heaven,” and “Breaking the Law” — alongside fresh interpretations from the tribute album.
**The Metal World Reacts**
The announcement has ignited passionate responses across social media and metal forums. Fans, critics, and fellow musicians have praised the boldness of the project. Metal Hammer magazine called it “the most ambitious heavy metal collaboration of the decade,” while Rolling Stone declared it “a fitting tribute to the genre’s blood, sweat, and thunder.”
Diehard fans are already clamoring for pre-sale tickets and limited-edition vinyl pressings of the album, which are expected to go on sale next month. In a genre often split by generational shifts, *In Loving Memory Of…* represents a powerful bridge — uniting legacy and loss, rage and reverence.
**A Legacy Forged in Fire**
As the metal community prepares for this historic moment, one thing is clear: Judas Priest and Slayer are not just revisiting the past — they’re redefining how it’s honored. *In Loving Memory Of…* is more than an album and tour; it’s a battle cry for a genre that never dies.
Long live metal.