LOUDER THAN LIFE:

An unforeseen future nestled somewhere in time,

Unsuspecting victims, no warnings, no signs,

Judgment Day, the Second Coming arrives ...

Metal icons Slayer are coming back to Louisville to headline North America's Loudest Rock Festival.

Danny Wimmer Presents announced on Wednesday the band would be part of the line-up for next year's Louder Than Life. The festival is scheduled for Sept. 18-21, 2025 at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The full line-up will be announced in the coming months.

“We can’t wait to welcome fans back to finish what we started this year and celebrate the return of Slayer,” said Danny Wimmer of Danny Wimmer Presents. “Our team is hard at work finalizing an incredible lineup that we can’t wait to reveal this winter. It’s going to be epic, and we can’t wait to see everyone back in Louisville next September.”

The unholy rebirth of Slayer was one of the most highly anticipated moments of the 10th anniversary of Louder Than Life this past summer.

The affects of Hurricane Helene, however, forced the cancelation of one full day of the festival — which included a performance by the legendary thrashers.

Despite the weather, the event drew more than 150,000 fans to Louisville.

"What an incredible 10 years it's been, and it’s all thanks to you," said Danny Hayes, CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents from the stage last summer. "We’re so grateful for the amazing Loudmouths who show up every year, and even during a Hurricane, you came out to celebrate our 10th anniversary with us. You are rock and roll!"

Slayer completed a farewell tour in 2019 and reunited this year, playing only three major events — Louder Than Life, Riot Fest (Chicago) and Aftershock (Sacramento, Calif.).

Louder Than Life is the only official tour date — so far — for the band in 2025.

The band has played the Louisville festival just once (2016).

In addition to return of Slayer, Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) also announced on Wednesday additional compensation to fans because of last year's cancelation.

Single-day pass holders for Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, can receive a full refund, or a credit applied to the purchase of 2025 passes. Weekend pass holders can receive a 25% refund or a credit applied to the purchase of 2025 passes.

Fans will receive emails with all the details, including how to activate their offer.

DWP also gave single-day pass holders for Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 entry into one of the final two days of Louder Than Life. Single-day and weekend pass holders were also offered tickets to the Aftershock Festival as well.

This year's Louder Than Life featured memorable performances across five stages.

Slipknot marked 25 years of their self-titled debut album. Mastodon also celebrated the 20th anniversary of their classic album Leviathan by playing it in full. And Saosin marked 20 years as a band in their set.

Other highlights included headlining performances from Korn and Judas Priest, who also played the first Louder Than Life festival in 2014, and Till Lindemann's first solo show in the United States.

Spiritbox welcomed a wide range of guests including Poppy on “Soft Spine,” Tatiana Shmayluk from Jinjer on “Circle With Me” and Architects’ Sam Carter on “Yellowjackets”; and Josh Katz from Badflower guesting during Dead Poet Society’s set. Disturbed was also joined by a special guest vocalist as part of a unique contest with Louisville radio station Alt 105.1, in partnership with The Fox Den. Local singer Katelyn Webb won a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing on stage with the band, performing Ann Wilson’s part in the song “Don’t Tell Me.”