The almighty Slayer released Reign In Blood (Def Jam) on October 7th, 1986, and completely changed the game. The follow-up to 1983’s Show No Mercy (Metal Blade) and 1985’s Hell Awaits (Metal Blade) was highly anticipated by fans all over the world, and the four legends delivered on every level. Reign In Blood immediately became an instant classic in the metal scene, and thirty years later, it’s still considered one of the most important records in the history of heavy metal.Continue reading
With the possible exception of Iron Maiden and Faith No More, no album has been more debated by fans and the critics before a note had been heard in 2015, than Slayer’s new album Repentless (Nuclear Blast). Their historical position as a leader and a lightning rod for all of heavy music has had varying consequences to their reputation over time. Nearly oblivious to change with the exception of a couple of albums, Slayer does what Slayer wants to do. Similar to AC/DC or Motörhead, if every fan everywhere and every critic bashed this album to death sight unseen, the band might hardly notice anyway.
However, listening to Repentless in full, there is an undeniable void heard on the album, one the band makes no apology or concession to, the loss of Jeff Hanneman, Jeff is not replaceable, nor have they tried to do that honestly. Recall there were entire albums where Jeff barely had any songs or solos, but he is so clearly part of the soul of this band, his licks and style coded into the very DNA of their songcraft. At the same time, this album belongs to Kerry King and Tom Araya to the fullest, and they totally own it like their life depends on it. The future of Slayer’s career surely does.
Opening with the sinister intro track ‘Delusions of Saviour,’ I look forward to hearing many a future concert begin with this gem. The title track comes next and it is fiery in tempo and anger. It is definitely off to an inspiring start. ‘Take Control,’ another recent single is a little more straight-ahead thrash, though it has all the familiar bells and whistles you want from them. Araya sounds as frightening and strong as ever vocally. His delivery makes up a lot of the strength of this album.
‘Vices’ is a terrific, groovy track and reminds me a lot of Paul Bostaph’s work on Divine Intervention (American). Paul’s return is a solid one. He has a few highlights and the outro of the track is one of them. The dueling harmonized guitars and solo parts bear the proper Slayer mark. ‘Cast the First Stone’ and ‘When The Stillness Comes’ also makes up some of the meat of familiar part of the album. ‘…Stillness’ has the Seasons In The Abyss (Def American) vibe that will drive some purists away, while others will love it. I fall into the latter category.
‘Chasing Death’ has them treading on some Exodus or even Pantera territory jamming out on the power grooves they pioneered. Another killer delivery from Tom sells this badass tune. ‘Implode’ was to my ears, the least impressive track and repeat listens didn’t make it grow on me. ‘Implode’ is one of the few tracks where it does seem to lack some of the old (Black) magic of the band. ‘Piano Wire’ is lone Hanneman composition on the album and it is definitely one of the best. I’d like to think Jeff would approve. ‘Atrocity Vendor’, at least in its first few measures sounds like it could have come off of ‘Haunting The Chapel’. That intro is so old-school, it might shock you. Kudos for doing something more akin to something Overkill or Anthrax would try. More great lyrics on this track and some more killer lead work as well.
‘You Against You’ is a nod to more recent albums from the band. The mid-tempo seems to be where this album lives mostly, so when it kicks into overdrive it definitely perks your ears up. It is the most “Jeff” sounding track on the album. ‘Pride And Prejudice’ ends the album on a heavy note with a screed on the current state of the world and a dim view for the future.
Armed with 12 new ditties toasting humanity’s self-destruction, the new Slayer album is a complex one. That they have made a complete album in 2015, should surprise none. Whether it lands in the pantheon of their greatest works, I’m not so sure about that one. Things that hold the album back from greatness are the differing styles of producers Greg Fieldman and Terry Date, the choppy mixing, and perhaps a lack of the uniqueness where a lot of the songs just sound like tributes to their past. Perhaps next time Gary Holt can chime in and co-write some tracks too. Overall Repentless is an enjoyable, fierce album that sounds essentially like a Slayer album should.
8 / 10
Slayer’s new album Repentless is fast approaching its September 11th release date from Nuclear Blast. The band has released a video of members Tom Araya, Kerry King, Paul Bostaph and Gary Holt talk about working with metal producing legend Terry Date (Pantera, Deftones, Soundgarden). You can watch the clip at this link or below:
Slayer, photo by Andrew Stuart
Slayer has released a video with members of the band discussing their new song ‘Chasing Death’, from their upcoming new album Repentless (Nuclear Blast) coming on September 11th. A snippet of the song can be heard in the video . You can watch the video at this link or below:
Repentless track listing:
01. Delusions Of Saviour
02. Repentless
03. Take Control
04. Vices
05. Cast The First Stone
06. When The Stillness Comes
07. Chasing Death
08. Implode
09. Piano Wire
10. Atrocity Vendor
11. You Against You
12. Pride In Prejudice
Slayer Repentless formats available:
* Limited CD + Blu-ray digipak (includes Blu-ray of “Slayer Live at Wacken 2014” and the “Making of Repentless” documentary)
* Limited CD + DVD digipak (includes DVD of “Slayer Live at Wacken 2014” and the “Making of Repentless” documentary)
* Strictly limited 12-inch sized Box (includes CD + Blu-ray digipak, DVD, exclusive Repentless 12-inch picture vinyl, “Slayer Live at Wacken 2014” CD, 12-inch photo card, 12-inch fold-out poster)
* CD jewel case
* Vinyl in gatefold (audio mastered for vinyl)
* Digital (all digital platforms)
Slayer (bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, guitarist Kerry King, and returning drummer Paul Bostaph, along with touring guitarist Gary Holt) have completed recording their yet to be titled eleventh studio album with producer Terry Date, due out later this year via their own yet to be named label (through Nuclear Blast).
Following Slayer’s studio sessions in March 2014 that yielded the track “Implode,” offered by the band as a free download, Slayer recorded on and off between September and mid-January at L.A.’s Henson Studios, and is currently mixing the album. Eleven songs have been recorded, but what will end up on the final track listing is yet to be determined. Early reports indicate that Slayer fans have a lot to look forward to – the new music is a sonic assault of brutal, ominous, lightening-fast and heavy-as-hell music with lyrics that unmask what Slayer knows best – the terror, the corruption and the societal turmoil that dominates our world.
Fans got a second preview of the new album this past Saturday when another one of the new songs, “When The Stillness Comes,” was released as a limited-edition (only 5000 copies worldwide), seven-inch vinyl picture disc exclusive for Record Store Day.
The new album marks the first time Slayer has worked with producer Terry Date (Slipknot, Soundgarden, Deftones), Bostaph’s return to the Slayer recording line-up since 2001’s God Hates Us All, and Holt’s first appearance on a Slayer album. It’s also the first Slayer album without the presence of founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman, athough a Hanneman-penned song is on the final track listing.
Slayer will tour extensively to support the new album, headlining this summer’s Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, as well as playing other major outdoor festivals and several “An Evening With…” Slayer only concerts.
Apr 24: Iron City – Birmingham, AL (“An Evening with…” headline dates)
Apr 25: Metropolitian Park (Monster Energy Welcome to Rockville) – Jacksonville, FL
Apr 26: Civic Theatre – New Orleans, LA (“An Evening with…” headline dates)
May 01: Farm Bureau Live (Lunatic Luau) – Virginia Beach, VA
May 03: Carolina Rebellion – Charlotte, NC
May 22: Rocklahoma – Pryor, OK
May 23: Socorro Casino – El Paso, TX (“An Evening with…” headline dates)
Jun 13: Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN
Jun 16: Paramount – Huntington (Long Island), NY (“An Evening with…” headline dates)
Jun 17: Paramount – Huntington (Long Island), NY (“An Evening with…” headline dates)
Jun 19: State Theatre – Portland, ME
Jun 20: Amnesia Rockfest – Montebello, QC
(Mayhem headline dates):
Jun 26: Sleep Train Amphitheater – San Diego, CA
Jun 27: San Manuel Amphitheater – San Bernardino, CA
Jun 28: Shoreline Amphitheater – Mountain View, CA
Jun 30: White River Amphitheater – Auburn, WA (Seattle)
Jul 01: Idaho Center Amphitheater – Boise, ID
Jul 03: Ak-Chin Amphitheater – Phoenix, AZ
Jul 04: Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM
Jul 05: Red Rocks – Denver, CO
Jul 07: Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Council Bluffs, IA
Jul 08: Eagles Ballroom – Milwaukee, WI
Jul 10: Klipsch Amphitheater – Noblesville, IN (Indianapolis)
Jul 11: DTE Energy Amphitheater – Clarkston, MI (Detroit)
Jul 12: First Midwest Bank Amphitheater – Tinley Park, IL (Chicago)
Jul 15: Molson Canadian Amphitheatre – Toronto, ON
Jul 17: Susquehanna Bank Arts Center – Camden, NJ (Philadelphia)
Jul 18: First Niagara Pavilion – Burgettstown, PA (Pittsburgh)
Jul 19: Xfinity Theatre – Hartford, CT
Jul 21: PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
Jul 22: Meadowbrook (Bank of NH Pavilion) – Gilford, NH
Jul 24: Jiffy Lube Live – Bristow, VA
Jul 25: Xfinity Center – Boston, MA
Jul 26: Nikon at Jones Beach – Wantagh, NY
Jul 29: Aaron’s Amphitheater at Lakewood – Atlanta, GA
Jul 31: Whitewater Amphitheater – San Antonio, TX
Aug 01: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Houston, TX
Aug 02: Gexa Energy Amphitheater – Dallas, TX
Photo Credit: Hillarie Jason
Slayer is streaming “When The Stillness Comes,” their new song and single along with a live recording of “Black Magic,” recorded live at the 2014 Wacken Open Air Festival will be available as a seven inch vinyl picture disc on Record Store Day on April 18, 2015. Stream it below.
Slayer completed recording on their new album with producer Terry Date (Pantera, Deftones), who also worked with the band on “Implode,” which was available as a free download following the band’s surprise appearance at last year’s Revolver Golden Gods Awards. Other songtitles set to appear on the new Slayer album — tentatively due in August — include “Atrocity Vendor” (which previously came out as the B-side to the “World Painted Blood” seven-inch), “Take Control”, “You Against You”, “Chasing Death”, “Cast The First Stone”, “Pride” (working title) and “Vices” (working title).
Joining guitarist Kerry King and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya during the sessions for their new album are returning drummer Paul Bostaph, who replaced Dave Lombardo in 2013, and guitarist Gary Holt (also of Exodus), who has been filling in for Jeff Hanneman on tour for the past four years.
Slayer will release their first new track in over a year called “When The Stillness Comes” as part of Record Store Day on April 18, 2015, as announced by Slayer and Nuclear Blast.
Slayer Side A: “When the Stillness Comes”
It is accompanied by a live recording of “Black Magic,” from the band’s 1983 album Show No Mercy and recorded live at the 2014 Wacken Open Air Festival, will be available as a limited-edition (only 5000 copies worldwide), 7-inch vinyl picture disc exclusively at all participating independent record stories worldwide.
Slayer Side B: “Black Magic”
Slayer – Tom Araya, Kerry King and Paul Bostaph – recorded “When The Stillness Comes” last year in Los Angeles with producer Terry Date. Currently, the band is in the final stages of recording what will be its first new album since 2009’s Grammy-nominated World Painted Blood, which is expected out later this year.
The five time nominated, two-time Grammy winning metal act has been named as one of “The Big Four” with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax that defined the thrash metal genre. With songs that mirror the turmoil and aberrations of our society – God’s terrifying global genocide, the chaos of our broken political system, chemical warfare, the hideous minds of serial killers, and the way-too-close proximity of world horrors that technology has brought us, Slayer remains crushing and brutal, steadfastly refusing to cater to the Mainstream. Slayer’s founding member, guitarist Jeff Hanneman passed in 2013, and Exodus guitarist Gary Holt has been filling in since. Paul Bostaph, who was Slayer’s drummer from ’94 – ’01, has rejoined bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and guitarist Kerry King, and is back behind the kit. Slayer is currently in the studio recording a new album set for a 2015 release.
Slayer on Facebook
Slayer on Twitter
Slayer on YouTube
Scion AV has released a video for the Slayer Scion tC “Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC. Designed and built by Mike Vu of MV DESIGNZ, the car features a custom paint job with airbrushed logos and skulls, suicide doors and Billet Slayer sword blade wheels with spike-style center caps. The interior comes with a Pioneer audio system with tower of speakers, a custom mixer and a 32-inch monitor for media playback. Watch below.
Slayer on Facebook
More info: http://www.scion.com/blog/2014/10/30/…
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Scion gave a sneak preview of the Slayer tC Show Car, amongst a number of other Scion related Show Cars, at a private event in Silver Lake, CA on Wednesday, October 29, 2014. The cars will be unveiled for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, NV on November 4-7, 2014.
Inspired by thrash metal’s look and sound, Mike Vu of MV DESIGNZ placed it into the Scion tC “Scion x Slayer Mobile Amp tC.” The vehicle comes with a custom paint job with airbrushed logos and skulls, suicide doors and Billet Slayer sword blade wheels with spike-style center caps. The interior turns up the volume even higher with a custom Pioneer audio system with towers of speakers, a custom mixer and a 32-inch monitor for media playback.
Slayer bassist/vocalist Tom Araya and guitarist Kerry King are reportedly making an appearance at SEMA to demonstrate its audio capabilities by plugging in two guitars directly into the vehicle to showcase its power.
Slayer is currently finishing their forthcoming Nuclear Blast debut at Henson Studios in Los Angeles, CA with producer Terry Date (Pantera, Deftones). Watch an update video here.
They will be heading out on a United States tour with Suicidal Tendencies and Exodus as support.
SLAYER TOUR DATES
November 11: Fox Theatre – Oakland, CA
November 12: Fox Theatre – Oakland, CA
November 14: The Forum – Los Angeles, CA
November 15: Comerica Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
November 17: Bricktown Events Center – Oklahoma City, OK
November 18: ACL Live – Austin, TX
November 19: Verizon Theatre – Dallas, TX
November 21: Hard Rock Live – Orlando, FL
November 22: The Tabernacle – Atlanta, GA
November 23: The Fillmore – Charlotte, NC
November 25: The Armory – Albany, NY
November 26: Sands Events Center – Bethlehem, PA
November 28: The Palladium – Worcester, MA
November 29: Wellmont Theatre – Montclair, NJ
November 30: Tower Theatre – Philadelphia, PA
December 02: Agora Theatre – Cleveland, OH
December 04: Egyptian Room – Indianapolis, IN
December 05: The Fillmore – Detroit, MI
December 06: The Venue at Horseshoe Casino – Hammond, IN
PHOTOS BY REI NISHIMOTO
Although Slayer has gone through a lot in the past year, they went on tour to prove that they still got it. The tour was pitched as being a bit of a throwback tour where classic tracks off of their first few albums would be played. Supporting Slayer were the French prog/death metallers Gorjia and the Australians 4ARM.
4ARM were the newest band on the bill and one that not many attendees knew of. The unsuspecting crowd was fairly blown away by them. They are the kind of band that is nothing, but pure metal. 4ARM crushed all with songs like ‘Submission for Liberty’ and ‘Raise a Fist’. At this point in time, the Tsongas Center was mostly empty but those on the floor were right against the stage and rocking out. Their set only lasted six songs; just enough to give the audience a taste of their potential and to make them interested.
Gojira is a name that has grown bigger over the past few years. Those who are not familiar with the music are at least familiar with the name and reputation 
as a solid metal band. Although different in nature from 4ARM, Gojira much more powerful. They are less thrash and more technical. This showed in the audience’s slow headbanging to songs such as ‘L’Enfant Sauvage’ and ‘The Axe’. People continued to trickle in but no one seemed in a rush to hear them which was a bit of a disappointment for such a great and talented band.
By the time Slayer came on stage, everyone was going wild. It was disheartening to see that much of the arena was still empty. The venue had trouble selling tickets but none could seem to pinpoint whether it had to do with the venue’s location, high ticket prices, or the band lineup changes. No matter. Those faithful fans who still believe in Slayer and their music despite all that had happened over the past year found a way to be there that night.
As promised, Slayer reached back into their history and started off their set by playing the title track off of 1985’s Hell Awaits. Gary Holt and Paul Bostaph fit right in with Tom Araya and Kerry King, which comes as no surprise considering both have played with the band in the past. They had no problem playing the material they had not been a part of. Such classic tracks included: ‘Necrophiliac’, ‘The Antichrist’, ‘Die by the Sword’, ‘Seasons in the Abyss’, and of course ‘Raining Blood’. The only cover they played was Exodus’s ‘Strike of the Beast’, a nod to Holt being a member of the band. Their encore consisted of ‘South of Heaven’ and ‘Angel of Death’, where a banner commemorating Jeff Hanneman was displayed. The audience showed their love for the old music through the set by going as wildly as they could. There were even multiple instances of wheel chair bound crowd surfers! It just goes to show that true Slayer fans will always find a way to have a great time.
Words: Melissa Campbell
Photos: Hillarie Jason Photography