Slayer set to split after 'one final world tour'

Slayer have been a seemingly inexorable force in thrash metal since they formed in 1982, even continuing to write music and tour following the death of founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman in the 2013.

It looks like they are now ready to hang up their sleeveless black tees, however, the band announcing on YouTube, typically apocalyptically, that "the end is near".

A montage of photos and videos from their almost 40-year history, the video declares: "Slayer to make its exit with one final world tour."

The video promises that tour dates will be revealed soon.

Over on Twitter, the band put out a poster for the tour, confirming that Lamb of God, Anthrax, Behemoth and Testament will provide support.

Slayer have put out 12 albums, the most famous being 1986's Reign in Blood and the most recent being 2015's Repentless.