 SLAYER
Christ Illusion
American Recordings 2006
www.slayer.net
Live Slayer pics
What’s the 4-1-1?
Slayer releases their latest album after a waiting period of 5 years.
Genre
Thrash / Classic metal
The Good
“Skeleton Christ” demonstrates some breathtaking musical work,
not just at the start, but throughout the entire song. Although, I must say
the music piece at the start is highly catchy. The lyrics displayed in this
track are crazy, but in the good way. Sure to cause some controversy with
the religious folk, but that’s what makes it so good! The guitar hook
towards the middle of the song is great, it’s unexpected but the listener
will love it. “Jihad”, a song about the 9/11 attacks through
the eyes of the terrorist (again, more controversy from people) contains,
probably the weirdest guitar sound ever at the start, but because it is so
odd sounding, it makes it wonderful. The vocals are grand; it seems that
Tom has definitely powered his vocals back up. The ending to this track is
epic, it just builds up more and more till the last lyric, which leaves the
listener hanging on that edge!
“Consfearacy” portrays some amazing
music as well. The chorus is something I am highly fond of, it makes great
sense and you just have to love it. This is a pure thrash song, I’m
sure when this song is played live it gets a lot of movement going! The vocals
are well done on this track as well. The ending yell from Tom is extremely
powerful. “Cult” provides stunning riffs from every band member.
The lyrics are just awesome, I don’t know how else to put it. Listen
for yourself and you will see what I mean. Although, the “666” part
in it may be a little cliché. “Black Serenade” shows off
a solo that is just blistering.
The Bad
Nothing notable
The Verdict
People complain because after all these years Slayer still sounds like…Slayer.
Well, that’s what makes Slayer. I mean, to all the complainers don’t
you think it would be odd if Tom came out screaming like some metalcore vocalist
or something? What if they slowed the pace and only played slow jazz like
songs? Exactly! If Slayer changed, it wouldn’t be Slayer anymore. They
have created a sound where once you hear it, right away you know who it is,
and I think that is what makes it so great. This album is a supreme work
of musical effort. Everything is precise on it. My vote for favorite Slayer
album still goes to Seasons in the Abyss, but this album is right there at
#2. I was impressed by this album, after 5 years without anything; to see
them come out and just tear it up again is amazing. HAIL SATAN!
Did You Know?
This is the first Slayer record featuring original drummer Dave Lombardo
since 1980’s Seasons in the Abyss.
Rating:  out
of 5
--Derek Carey
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