The original Slayer is back. As soon as Christ Illusion starts, there is no denying that Slayer still has "it," whatever "it" is. This album marks the first time that the original lineup has been in the studio together since the 1990 classic, Seasons in the Abyss. That combination of Tom Araya, Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, and the returning Dave Lombardo, is a force to be reckoned with. Slayer has been at the forefront of thrash metal from the beginning pioneering the genre with albums such as South of Heaven and the landmark Reign in Blood.
I have never followed Slayer all that closely, although I am a big fan of those early albums, in particular Seasons in the Abyss. I have not heard God Hates Us All, but after what I consider mediocre for Slayer albums Divine Intervention and Diabolous in Musica, Christ Illusion is an eye opener. That in and of itself is an interesting comment, due to some people saying that Slayer has been making the same album over and over. Slayer is a band that has never strayed and never wavered from what they are, extreme pioneers, and in doing so, their style has not evolved all that much, and therein lies the beauty of their output. They know what they are doing, and they just do it, brutally, honestly, and with pure aggression.
The pre-release version of the disk I have to review starts off with two versions of the lead track, "Flesh Storm." Which version of the song will appear on the release disk, I am not sure, but I prefer the version labelled "Alt. Vocal." The difference is slight, the alternate version has Tom Araya singing a little throatier, as opposed to a higher scream on the other version. In either case it is proof of the aggression about to be unleashed. And, if you didn't already know that you had slipped in a Slayer disk, the initial screaming lead from Jeff Hanneman should be enough to tip you off.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
Chris;
Can you comment on the lyrics to "Jihad"? Are they written from the perspective of a jihadist?
Is there an overall theme for this album?
2 - Chris Beaumont
Triniman,
Lyrical content isn't my stongest area, but yes Jihad is written from the jihadist POV. I don't know if I would say the album has an averarcing theme, butthe usual Slayer type content is there, sort of putting a stick in the beehive of organized religion. I have the lyrics at home, I will give them a read through and see if anything sticks out.
3 - Dean
The album definitely has a theme; perhaps their strongest ever-"anti-religion"----anti-islam, anti-christianity, and blames the conflict in the middle east on a clash between islam and christianity. In my opinion, Slayer should have done some more research on the Islam sections of their album, because Jihad is no longer used to describe holy war except on FOX networks.--conservative opinions on FOX
4 - duane
There is no such word as "supremist." They mean "supremacist." Oh, brother.
Here are some of the lyrics from "Jihad."
I will see you burned alive
Screaming for your God
I will watch you die
Good grief. How much effort does it take to scribble down this kind of dreck? Let me guess -- their target audience is ... oh, nevermind.
5 - jimmy
does anyone really believe that slayer named their song Supremist mistakedly?? i'm pretty sure they knew that Consfearacy isnt a word as well, so how bout giving them the credit they deserve. a kick arse album, SLAYER LIVES ON!!!!
6 - Jesse
I downloaded the new album and I must say I was blown away!! Which is awesome to say because it was to be expected!! Slayer will never let us down!! I plan on buying Christ Illusion on August 8th.
A funny side note:
September 11th 2001 I was standing out side waiting for Circuit City to open. And finally they let us in. I was there skipping school to purchase Slayers new album "God Hates Us All"! Suddenly everyone was huddling around the T.V.'s!? I wonder what they were looking at!?.. Lol, thats were I was.
7 - Jesse
And one more thing.. Duane your a dumbass! Here's the definition of Supremist..
Main Entry: supremist
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: one who takes supreme authority for him/herself; one who believes in the supremacy of one race, sex, or social group; also called supremacist
Etymology: supremacy + -ist
8 - duane
Here, let me help you out there Jesse, O wise one. That should be
"Duane, you're a dumb ass!"
There are these little squiggly things. One of them is called a comma, and the other is called an apostrophe. Ever hear of those things? The word "your" is not the same as the word "you're." OK?
Anyway, at least I got you to go use a dictionary (good boy!), although it appears to be a dictionary of modern usage instead of a real dictionary. Is the word "nucular" in there, too?
Etymology: supremacy + -ist = supremacist
Now, what about these lyrics?
"I will see you burned alive
Screaming for your God
I will watch you die."
And, Jess, do you think there's something funny about the WTC disaster?
9 - Guppusmaximus
Chris,
GREAT REVIEW....
"Slayer is a band that has never strayed and never wavered from what they are.... their style has not evolved all that much...."
If its not broken, Don't fix it!! That's one of the many problems with the American Metal scene today... Bands either aren't talented enough to repeat their pinnacle works or they feel they need to "Progress".
As much as I can't stand Slayer's lyrics anymore, They are still one of best bands musically.
10 - duane h8r
ill bet duane listens to emo while jacking off his dad.................pussy!
11 - Big T
Christ Illusion is a great "comeback" cd from Slayer, gone are the muddy production values of the last few CDs, replaced by crisp production, pinpoint precision riffs, lottsa tempo changes and to be quite honest just better songs this time around. Lombardo being back in the fold is a plus also, Paul Bostaph is not missed here. Some of the songs here seem to be from the "bad guys" point of view, namely Jihad and Supremist. But hey, I wont hold that against them !! This CD, in my opinion, has a more convincing "evil" feel to it, being that the guys are now older, with more life experience behind the anger presented here. Kerry King is one pissed off fella and man the lyrics reflect it !! The biggest plus is the production. Dave Lombardos double bass drums kick, and the cymbals are crisp. The production reminds us of the the peak "Rubin" era, and as executive producer on this one, Im sure his input was well taken. Theres been some reviews out there saying its more of the same from these guys, and in my opinion, thats a good thing !!
12 - duane
Who is emo?
13 - 666
This album is definitely one of their best ever - these guys can still kick so much ass @ this age is what's mindblowing - BRUTAL & IN-UR-FACE - its been a rewarding wait for the past 5 yrs.... esp when i look at the other 80's thrash acts like Megadeth & Metallica which r total crap now, SLAYER still ROCK m/m/m/
14 - slayers worst album
If you like SLayer mixed with nu-metal, then this album is for you. Older Slayer fans wont be interested. Toms voice is pretty crappy, and the lyrics are pretty childish (chorus of Cult!).
15 - Ernie
I think the album is really poor actually, in fact I was almost reduced to wtting myself at some of the laughable lyrics. It lacked their usual trademark punch and sounded like the old Slayer was in their trying to get out but ultimately failing! For me they are once again softening up! Thought it was really poor!
16 - Guppusmaximus
Hey 666... I stopped looking at Megadeth in 1990 & Metallica in 1991. Granted I hated mostly everything after "Seasons..." (I tried desperately with "Divine Intervention")I have to agree that they are still brutal and can still KICK SOME ASS!! "Christ Illusion" is just Balls to the Wall, F*cking Thrash and if these people don't get it it's because they weren't around when Slayer released their old stuff!!
17 - Tucker
Hey, "Slayers Worst Album" quit being a conforming shithead who blames everything on Nu-Metal.
Next time you make a remark like that, bother to explain why insted of making youself look like a fucker...
18 - vermin
I personally loved this new albumn and found it to be chocked full of slayers trademark thrash riffs, solos, bouncing Araya basslines, and lombardo being back into the fold imo only helps matters(not that Bostaph was that bad himself). The lyrical stylings arent meant to be the most intellectual, that being said makes it more simplistic in that aspect and more accessable to a broader audience. The classic feel is there on this one, i reccomend.
19 - sc
I was around when SLAYER released "Reign In Blood" so I'm a fan that goes back a ways.... this new album "Christ Illusion" is SLAYER at their best! I got the CD on August 9th and I've kept the CD in my car listening to it ever since. Also, on my iPod, LOL!? Anyway, good review... I recommened to all. One more comment. Every "old school" SLAYER fan I talk to seems to like this album. These people nagging the new album prolly weren't long-time fans anyway!!!!!!!
20 - WTF
Eh. Nothing outstanding. It is #2 worst of all Slayer albums behind Divine Intervention. Slayer is still the best, but I disagree with most of the blogs above about the quality of these songs.
The songs sound thrown together. They don't flow like the old Dave stuff did and the lyrics sound forced. I think Slayer found a great new style with Diabolous & Hates, with the drop tune and beefy bottom sound, but this album sounds weak.
I've been a 20 year loyal fan and will continue to be.. but overall, disappointed with the original line up. Sorry guys! You could have done better!
21 - Metal Bunny
This album is the sound of Slayer still completely on form. The lyrics are totally laughable, but who gives a fuck? People seem happy to accept Nelly singing "its getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes", so why is everyone expecting Dylan-esque lyrical content from these guys? Its fucking Slayer, what do you want them to sing about? The Dow Jones, 17th century Flemish painters, or War?