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Tom Araya: Vocals/Bass Kerry King: Guitar Gary Holt: Guitar Paul Bostaph: Drums
Bio:
I discovered Slayer at age 15, on some music pirating message board I’m sure is long dead now. The poster who introduced me to them didn’t waste time; the message simply read: BEST BAND: SLAYER BEST SONG: RAIN IN BLOOD. Certainly not, I thought. Being young and raised up in a Christian household, I thought they were some sort of evil band. But I gave the song a shot. It would be a few more years before they truly clicked, but today, I couldn’t imagine my record collection without Slayer being a part of it.
When they did click, it was primarily because of one album. Anyone with a passing interest in the genre should at least give a go to their 1986 classic Reign in Blood, part speed metal clinic and part horror film nightmare. The first five albums are a metalhead’s delight. They rose to become one of metal’s biggest underground sensations, and alongside a handful of other South California brethren in the 1980s, would revolutionize thrash/speed metal, extreme metal, death metal, and plenty of other movements along the way. They drew plenty of controversy along the way for lyrical content about hell, violence, and anti-war protest. But it helped them develop an iron-clad image that has assured them status as one of today’s most well respected metal bands.
Two big shakeups occurred within the band in the past couple years. The first was legendary drummer Dave Lombardo’s ouster from the band due to a contract dispute in February of 2013, followed by Jeff Hanneman’s tragic death due to alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver less than three months later. Losing those guys is a huge blow, but luckily they found top notch replacements. Former drummer Paul Bostaph returns to the fold after having served a previous stint with Slayer, while Gary Holt from fellow Bay area thrash metallers Exodus rounds out the lineup.
Sounds Like: Genre: Speed/Heavy Metal Similar Artists: Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth, Exodus, Testament, Metal Church Similar Lineup artists: Between the Buried and Me, Pallbearer
Crucial Albums:
Show No Mercy (1983)
Hell Awaits (1985)
Reign in Blood (1986)
South of Heaven (1988)
Seasons in the Abyss (1990)
Suggested Listening:
The 2014 Wacken appearance shows off the band in fine form:
After you're finished with that, down this one in one gulp. Then proceed to educate yourself on the band's other classic cuts.
Physical Reaction/Live Show:
This is pretty much going to be the Paul McCartney of heavy shows on the farm. Think about it. Of all the metal bands that would draw a bigger billing than Slayer, none go harder than these guys. And of the bands who do put on a more intense show, who has their name recognition? If you like metal, the only thing left you need to know is what stage they’re playing at. And if you don’t, give ‘em a chance and I bet you’ll find something to appreciate.
Nice write up! As I've mentioned elsewhere I'm also a huge fan of:
I see you put "Disciple" up there, might be my favorite Slayer song, and I consider it one of the greatest metal songs ever written. It's just goddamn perfect, musically and lyrically and attitude-ly.
But "Reign In Blood" is mandatory listening for any fan of music, period, even if you hate metal you have to be familiar with it. It will only take about half an hour of your time. Of course "Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death" are the far and away classics, but its "Jesus Saves" that makes me go absolutely crazy.
I've seen Slayer 3 times, to say the least its always memorable. Will be an epic show for the ages, and I can't imagine any conflicting act that would make me miss it.
The crowd for the show you posted is huge, does anyone have any assumptions on which(?) tent they will play in?
I keep picturing it in This, since that's where the metal was last year.
EDIT: Also note the festival in the video is Wacken, an all metal festival in Germany. Significantly different demo than Bonnaroo, and metal in general is much bigger in Europe then in the US. I'm sure there will be a great crowd for Slayer, certainly bigger than Mastodon, but nothing insane.
What if there is no god, would you think the fuckin' same? Wastin' your life in a leap of blind faith Wake the fuck up, can't ignore what I say I got my own philosophy
I hate everyone equally You can't tear that out of me No segregation, separation Just me in my world of enemies
I never said I wanted to be God's disciple I'll never be the one to blindly follow I'll never be the one to bear the cross disciple
