Slayer hung up the mic for the last time at the Los Angeles Forum on November 30, 2019, bringing an end to a thunderous Thirty Eight year career. Like the rest of the world, Slayer couldn't handle being done and 2024 saw a spark of life as the band stepped back under the lights and played a few return shows. The current line up consists of; bassist & vocalist Tom Arya, guitarist Kerry King, drummer Paul Bostaph and guitarist Gary Holt.
In honour of such an iconic thrash metal bands return to these shores, Music Is To Blame have put together ten stellar songs to check out before the gigs. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or new to the metal scene and Slayer, we are certain you will enjoy this.
Slayer are a band heavily influenced by British Metal and Hardcore Punk. They took all these influences and carved out their own brutal path. Eventually becoming famous as one of the 'Big Four' of Thrash. The band have covered various themes: Satanism, serial killers, hate crime, torture, genocide, terrorism, Nazism, human experimentation and war.
Now we could easily have just listed Slayers third Album, 1986’s 'Reign In Blood' and leave it there, as it has everything and is just exquisite. But where’s the fun in that!?
Here is our play before you slay, best of Slaylist:
'Raining Blood' - 'Reign In Blood' (1986)
Probably one of the first Slayer songs you would know. It is iconic and one of their best, no greatest hits collection would dare miss it off. It is a short song, that packs a punch both starting and ending with a thunderous raining sound. The song includes the insanely complex 'spider riff' that is hard to follow.
'Angel Of Death' - 'Reign In Blood' (1986)
Is a song initially hit by controversy due to being written from the perspective of Nazi doctor Josef Mengele. However it does condemn him! It starts with a scream embodying suffering from within Auschwitz. It really gives you some thought to a horrific time in history, and is a ferocious song. The 'Reign In Blood' album itself is incredibly fast paced and angry.
'South Of Heaven' - 'South Of Heaven' (1988)
A great song from a very dark album indeed. The song isn't as you may think, it does not refer to Hell, it is about the USA and society and the darker side of human existence. 'South Of Heaven', the album itself, is intentionally slower and creepier than it's predecessor.
'Seasons In The Abyss' - 'Seasons In The Abyss' (1990)
Originally released as a single in the UK with a plastic sleeve that contained fake blood and with a supporting video filmed in front of the Pyramids in Egypt.
The song is fueled by speed and aggression yet still manages to be emotional. It was seen as an attempt for the band to gain more commercial success with its melodic chorus.
'War Ensemble' -'Seasons In The Abyss' (1990)
A monstrous, relentless, difficult and fast song, with powerful words describing violence of war. The song was apparently a favourite for US soldiers to listen to before the battlefield.
'Dead Skin Mask' - 'Seasons In The Abyss' (1990)
This song makes the list as it is just so haunting and eerie - the lyrics tell a story about notorious murder Ed Gein.
'Bloodlines' - 'God Hates Us All' (2001)
A song about a vampire and featuring on the Dracula 2000 soundtrack. The album this track features on was widely accepted as Slayers return to form after some less than popular releases in the few years prior.
'War Zone' - 'God Hates Us All' (2001)
A raw, emotional and angry song, Ironically the album was released on the tragic day of 9/11 (World Trade Centre terror attack). Almost as if the song was an eerie premonition of the next few years to come.
'Disciples' - 'God Hates Us All' (2001)
A beast of epic proportions and pure unrelenting brutality. It is one of Slayers best songs to get crowds chanting along, with a mesmerising hook and pure groove. Kerry King loved the song so much he had the main line tattooed on his arm, (God hates us all). The track was even nominated for a Grammy!
'World Painted Blood' - 'World Painted Blood' (2009)
The track kicks off with tormented moans from the bowels of Hell and is a subtle and broody song. It would seem whenever a Slayer song and album share the same name the track always pays dividends. It gets it's place on the list to show that Slayer still had the ability to make Thrash Hits, three decades after they began. Sadly this was one of the last songs and was the last album to feature the legendary Jeff Hanneman who passed away a few years later. So a perfect place to finish our Slayer journey.
Slayer shows:
Thu 3rd Jul - CARDIFF Blackweir Fields
Sun 6th Jul - LONDON Finsbury Park
Rhys Tagg
Image: 'Reign In Blood' Official Album Cover
