Chilean Tom Araya, lead singer of Slayer, wins at Grammy’s

SANTIAGO. -  Although Chile’s presence in the United States´ Grammy Awards ceremony has been historically scarce, it seems like times might be changing. 

In 2001, Chilean rock group La Ley won a Grammy in the category of Best Latin Alternative Rock Album with their CD, Uno, and yesterday another Chilean artist took home a golden gramophone:  Tom Araya, lead singer of the heavy metal rock band Slayer.

Slayer has reached a zenith during the past few years after three nominations and two wins obtained by the legendary band in the American music industry.

 Last night’s victory marks the second straight year the band has won the award for Best Heavy Metal Performance, after having also taken the prize in 2007 with the song “Eyes of the insane”, from the album Christ Illusion (2006).

The song “Final Six”, from the same album, is the best heavy metal song of the year according to Recording Academy music executives, who are in charge of organizing the awards ceremony.

Despite the fact that the song was only released as a bonus track on a special edition of the album, it managed to hit number 5 on the Billboard Music Chart, the band’s highest position in the ranking to date.