It's Slayer, an impeccable career without ever making a bad album, without ever "taking it easy," without ever selling out
by Nando Machado
It's a difficult task for Slayer to release a new album of original material after the excellent "World Painted Blood" from 2009. Without the band's main songwriter (guitarist Jeff Hanneman, who passed away in 2013), and without drummer Dave Lombardo, an original member of the band and one of the best drummers of all time.
But it's Slayer, and Slayer isn't afraid to face challenges. The most honest band in the world of Metal, with an impeccable career, never having made a mistake, never having made a bad album, never having gone too easy, never having sold out.
I had the chance to see Slayer live in December 2014 for the sixth time. Live, they are unbeatable, in top form, and deserve all the reverence of the gods of Metal. Regarding Slayer's 2015 album, "Repentless," I confess I already liked it before even hearing the whole thing. Based on the songs they've already released, you can expect a great album.
Pre-order the new Slayer album on iTunes.
Sometimes it's like a horror movie, sometimes it's like a war, it's impossible to listen to "Repentless" and stay still. I really want to go to a Slayer concert again, someone please bring this band to Brazil!
Produced by the great Terry Date (Dream Theater, Soundgarden, Pantera, Soulfly) and with cover art by Brazilian Marcelo Vasco, a total source of national pride!!!
1. Delusions – The opening track of Slayer's new album, a quick, clean, dissonant fingerpicking riff that immediately introduces the characteristic heaviness, a wah-wah riff, and the movie begins – this time a horror movie, macabre, sinister, or rather, "Slayer" – and the sound of Gary Holt's guitar is immediately noticeable; he's an excellent guitarist, worthy of replacing Jeff Hanneman. On one hand, it's the first album without Jeff Hanneman, but on the other, it's the first with Gary Holt, the leader and most important member of the great Exodus. A long opening, somewhat reminiscent of "Hell Awaits," before seamlessly transitioning into the next track. A great show opener; I can already imagine the red light on stage and the Slayer banner falling – 7.5/10
2. Repentless , you can notice a different drum sound, and Tom Araya's voice, screaming as always, makes it impossible to stay still, and I find myself in a cold meeting room, alone, wanting to bang my head against the wall with every scream from Tom Araya. Score 8.5
3. Take Control – Slayer “taking control”. What a banger, one of the fastest on the album. It seems obvious, but the guys really “Take Control”. A heavy and fast groove with some slower riffs. With well-defined strumming, the track sounds like an 80s sound, top-notch Thrash as always, just as I expected. One of the best on the album – Score 9.0
4. Vices – Failing in terms of picking and double bass drums, this track is more reminiscent of Slayer's "South Of Heaven" sound. Heavier than fast and with excellent lyrics, the middle section features sensational riffs from Gary Holt, and once again the wah-wah pedal is back. Sensational solo by Kerry King, another neck-breaking riff, and impeccable double bass drumming by Bostaph – Score 8.0
It's impressive how well-produced the album is. The instruments are clearly audible, and you can understand almost everything Tom Araya sings (and shouts)
5. Cast The First Stone – Weight, dissonance, and offbeat drumming. Bostaph is incredible with two top-tier bass drums. A great song and an excellent chorus. Overall, Bostaph sounds like Lombardo, but with a lot of technique and precision. Another one that will be amazing live – Score 8.0
6. When The Stillness Comes – Another dark, fingerpicked piece. The music is reminiscent of "The Omen," "The Exorcist," "The Amityville Horror," "Carrie," "The Shining," "Rosemary's Baby," and so on. An even more haunting and macabre riff begins, with Bostaph marking the beat on the hi-hat. Then the rest of the band joins in, and the music begs you to turn up the volume. Tom Araya whispers an excellent, slow, and extremely frightening lyric. I'd love to hear this one live; it has a different vibe, and in the end, the onslaught comes again – Score 7.5
7. Chasing Death – The album is one fantastic riff after another. Chasing Death has a sensational groove, in the vein of South of Heaven . The song builds and finally Tom Araya shouts “You Never Stop Chasing Death” and Gary Holt destroys on the solo. A track about alcoholism, the evil that killed Jeff Hanneman. Could it be a tribute to the guitarist? It's a contender for one of the best on the album – Score 9.0
8. Implode – Soundtrack to the end of the world according to Kerry King himself. It's possible to perceive an influence of hardcore and punk, which they've always admired. I listen and I can already imagine the mosh pit, the mayhem that will break out live during this song. After the first minute, one of the fastest sung rhythm sections on the album begins, followed by an excellent solo by Kerry King. Aggressive, fast, and once again Paul Bostaph showing why he's the natural successor to Dave Lombardo. Rating – 8.0
9. Piano Wire – This track is one of Jeff Hanneman's compositions on the album. With precise picking, heaviness, a sung backing track, and an excellent chorus, the song speaks of the atrocities of war. I feel like I'm on a battlefield. I remember all my friends who would love to be listening to this sound; I'm sure they'll all buy the album and love it, and will be at the next Slayer show. Take The War, Taste The Blood, Attack Continuing, Never Surrender!!! It has a "South Of Heaven" vibe, heavier than fast, I really like it – 8.5/10
10. Atrocity Vendor – Hell and Agony is real, I can show how it feels . Excellent, a powerful track from beginning to end. Tom Araya's vocals are monstrous and flawless – 8.0/10
11. You Against You – In You Against You, what stands out most is the production. It's impressive how well-produced this album is. The instruments are heard so clearly, and you can understand almost everything Tom Araya sings (and screams). Isn't there a bad song on this album? Score 7.0
12. Pride In Prejudice – The song starts with a really cool, slow, and heavy groove. You Made Your Choice, I Make My Stand, Pride in Prejudice, Don't Give Me That Power Bullshit, Hate and Violence, One Gun Shot Killed the Innocent – Another contender; One of the best on the album – Score 8.0
