Metal Reviews

too hard steve, too hard.

note the bolded O.

Sentenced saved my life.

I finally listened to this album just now. It's typical Slayer. Some fast-paced thrashers, some slower groovers, and virtually nothing in-between. I like it, but I really think it's time the band retires as they haven't done anything truly novel since 1990.

What the f? Divine Intervention, Diabolus, God Hates us Ull had so many new and modern sounds, that it makes me sick and it's a good surprise, that they finally got back to what they do best.

Or was Seasons in the Abyss the last Slayer album you've heard?

or a drill kill?

someone get me a blindfold and a cigar

This entire thread has made my day! You guys!

Now, as I got into Slayer when I was thirteen (way back in 1988!), I agree that they should retire because those 'glory' days are long gone and they will never recapture the intensity synonymous with the time.

However, every new release should be treasured because of their heritage. I mean, long after they, and I suppose we, have ceased to exist, their music will be available for masses of future metallers who could never understand what Slayer meant over nearly thirty years. Their somewhat changing face of thrashing will be reflective of our age; a band who innovated to an extent in the 80s, tried to get groovy in the 90s, as was the trend, and returned to what they did best towards the end of their career. Slayer, like Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Exodus, Overkill, Annihilator, Sepultura etc, etc, etc, are legends; no matter what opinion regarding them is now so accept them or just listen to something else!

I will get World Painted Blood with an open mind, just like when I bought Reign In Blood then every subsequent release and I'm sure I'll still be happy to hear new stuff. I doubt it will change any opinion I have about them nor set my world on fire like Reign In Blood did all those years ago but I will still appreciate it. So I say to Slayer, 'Thanks for so many memories and inspirations. Thanks for reminding me just what you meant to me and the fact you keep kicking despite the fact you know you'll never be THAT band again. Thanks aplenty!'

Good post Mentalmark, since getting World Painted Blood I have dug out their other CDs for another listen, and still find them all enjoyable.

Cheers Scud, I'm glad you appreciate my post.

I think it is important for people to realise that we're talking about a band who are in their late 40s and still keep trying to thrash when many would have either split or slowed right down. With Slayer you get exactly what it says on the label; thrash music without gimmick. Aside from Diabolus In Musica, I think the band have been incredibly consistent with their output which is more than what could be said for the majority of the likes I mentioned in my earlier post.

Generally, I think this is why Slayer have gone back to trying to recapture their late 1980s sound because they know, through the trial and effort of DIM & God Hates Us All, that they can't reinvent the wheel which they helped invent in the first place. If we get two more albums like this then I won't complain. Older bands like AC/DC haven't been trying to change their style in their twilight years (nor in many of their prime years for that matter!) so why should Slayer be any different!

I think it is important, that a band, when they are good at something, don't change their style, but just try to make better songs. I mean, there are good ACDC albums and not so good, but they always played the same style, which the fans like. So why fix something, what is not broken? Just for riding the next hype? Many [thrash] bands changed their style in the 90s, even Slayer, but today they are back to their roots (more or less). What if Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer had played on their normal Thrash instead of going to the modern route?