Slayer's last ever UK performance at Download was a bittersweet triumph

After twelve studio albums and a legacy that will never die, the inimitable Slayer have decided to call it quits. Their final ever performance on UK soil closed the Encore Stage at Download Festival 2019 – and what an absolutely incredible send-off for a truly iconic band.

A sea of slayer shirts and battle jackets all head-banging with a ferocity only Slayer can arouse,, the second stage was the fullest it had been all weekend – and rightly so. Despite clashing with Sunday headliners, Tool, at least half of this year's festival goers had headed to bid adieu to the masters of metal and witness a the fire, the evil, the brutality and pure unadulterated thrash stirring up the crowd for one last time.

In true Slayer fashion, there was no encore – a little disappointing after they broke this traditional at their recent arena show in London. But, an encore would have left us wanting even more. And can we ever be satisfied with the thought of Slayer's set coming to a close, never to be witnessed live again? In short, no.

Pinch us, please. The reality of no more Slayer still hasn't quite hit us.

Image 1 of 8

Slayer Download Festival 2019 Setlist

Delusions of Saviour  (on tape)
Repentless 
Evil Has No Boundaries 
World Painted Blood 
Postmortem 
Hate Worldwide 
War Ensemble 
Gemini 
Disciple 
Mandatory Suicide 
Chemical Warfare 
Payback 
Temptation 
Born of Fire 
Seasons in the Abyss
 Hell Awaits
 South of Heaven 
Raining Blood 
Black Magic 
Dead Skin Mask 
Angel of Death