Slayer, “Repentless”
Listeners of Slayer’s music have come to expect a certain standard from the group and its sound, namely its signature grinding, crushing and gory thrash metal as well as its anti-Christian, anti-establishment image. On their most recent LP, “Repentless,” Slayer unquestionably delivers on those standards. Heck, one look at the album cover and the listener instantly knows exactly what they’re about to get themselves into. But before we delve into the album’s contents, a little bit should be known about the things that have transpired within the Slayer camp over the last six years or so.
Slayer’s previous album, “World Painted Blood,” was released in 2009 and featured the classic Slayer lineup of Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King on guitar, Tom Araya on vocals and bass and Dave Lombardo on the skins. But, unfortunately, soon after the album’s release, Hanneman contracted a deadly disease from a spider bite that restricted him from touring. On top of that, his chronic alcohol usage had finally caught up to him, and after years of sickness, he passed away in 2013. Also, shortly before Hanneman’s death, a pay dispute caused the band to controversially fire Lombardo. For touring, and eventually full-time purposes, the band recruited and found Exodus guitarist Gary Holt and thrash journeyman (as well as previous Slayer drummer) Paul Bostaph to fill their respective vacancies.
Additionally, on top of the personnel changes, Slayer also made the decision to leave its longtime label, American Recordings, and with it longtime producer Rick Rubin, in favor of a deal with Nuclear Blast Records, with veteran metal producer Terry Date slated to handle production.
That may seem like a lot to swallow, and it sure is. It’s a miracle that Slayer was able to put this record out, and one would expect its quality to suffer as a result of all the changes that have occurred. Truth be told, not much has changed. This is classic Slayer, with lightning-fast riffing and squealing guitar solos typical of Slayer’s signature sound. Ferocious tracks such as “Repentless” and “Take Control” fire with deadly accuracy, and the grooving “Pride in Prejudice” and “Vices” have infectious and memorable riffing. The only drawbacks to this album are that much of it seems like filler, largely because of the absence of variety that Hanneman typically brought to the table and that Bostaph’s robotically technical precision may not sit well with fans who have grown accustomed to Lombardo’s signature looseness.
All in all, “Repentless” is a solid, average to above-average Slayer record, and it should please most fans, largely due to Slayer’s ability to release consistent, interesting records.
Quick’s Picks: Repentless, Vices, Take Control, Pride in Prejudice
