Right before last week's Slayer show, I got to talk briefly with Exodus/Slayer guitarist Gary Holt. I asked him, "How have thrash metal fans changed since the genre started in the early 1980s?" He laughed and said, "They haven't changed much. It's still the music of the underdog. The downtrodden. The kids who don't go to prom." Well said, Gary. More photos after the jump!

I never tell people to throw devil horns for a photo. They just do it.
I never tell people to throw devil horns for a photo. They just do it. Kelly O

The music doesnt change much either. This is Slayer playing Hell Awaits.
The music doesn't change much either. This is Slayer playing "Hell Awaits." Kelly O

I think this girl in the front row is ready to go to Hell?
I think this girl in the front row is just fine with going to hell. Kelly O

I think this guy really likes Iron Maiden.
I think this guy really likes Iron Maiden. Kelly O

I guess this guy doesnt like Kanye West?
I guess this guy doesn't like Kanye West? Kelly O

Still thrash metals Big Four: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax
Still thrash metal's Big Four: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Kelly O

Sodom, OSS, and Judas Priest. Uh, and some kinda ham sandwich thingie.
Sodom, OSS, and Judas Priest. Uh, and some kinda ham sandwich thingie. Kelly O

I suppose Freddy Krueger counts as metal?
I suppose Freddy Krueger counts as metal? Kelly O

GG Allin was a punk!
GG Allin was a punk! Kelly O

I will KILL for this kids hair! #HairFarmer
I would KILL to have this kid's hair! I'm serious... Kelly O

Chicks still listen to Venom. Everyone should still listen to Venom!
Chicks still listen to Venom. You know, everyone should still listen to Venom... Kelly O


All photos from the 2015 Mayhem Festival. Special thanks to Heidi Robinson-Fitzgerald.