Artist: Slayer
Album: World Painted Blood
Label: American
Website: www.slayer.net
Slayer is:
Tom Araya – vocals, bass
Kerry King – guitar
Jeff Hanneman – guitar
Dave Lombardo – drums
I might find myself in the minority here, but I actually liked Slayer’s past 2 studio albums, 2001’s “God Hates Us All” and 2006’s “Christ Illusion”. While I got into Slayer a lot later than most metalheads, I enjoy both their older material as well as the new stuff. Some fans wish that the mostly forgettable Slayer albums of the 90’s had never come out, and some might even wish the same of the albums that have come out in the 00’s. But for those who are a bit more open-minded, there’s plenty of ear candy on “World Painted Blood”.
The title track begins with a slowly building riff that twists itself between the rattle of Lombardo’s snare and a native american speaking about the end of the world. It’s a bit creepy and sets the mood for the whole album. It ends up morphing into blistering thrash with Araya’s trademark ferocious vocals that spew forth more doom and gloom about our eventual demise: “Gomorrah’s dream to live in sin/Has reached its critical mass/Man himself has become god/And laughs at his destruction.” “Unit 731” begins quickly and furiously as King and Hanneman trade off searing riffage over the thunder of the rhythm section. Araya reaches deep into his soul to unleash tortured vocals on your ears while the band takes you through various twists and turns, mixing elements of death metal and thrash and playing with as much speed as anything else they’ve done in the past.
“Snuff” picks up where “Unit 731” left off, unleashing chainsaw riffing and fretboard domination that sets the tone for the whole band to pummel you. Anyone who thinks the band has lost a step needs to listen to this track as they prove they’re just as good as ever. King’s leads are pure showmanship as he rips his way up and down the fretboard, dive bombing you at every turn. “Beauty Through Order” is a moody motherfucker that slowly works its’ way into your system, reminiscent of some of the slower, gloomier material on “South of Heaven” and “Seasons in the Abyss”. While “Hate Worldwide” might seem to be a little cartoonish as far as statements go at this point in Slayer’s career, it’s actually a pretty damn good song. And who can really criticize a band too much for writing a song that sums up their motto? It begins with a furious torrent of Lombardo’s pummeling drumming, searing riffs and classic Araya vocals. More Hanneman and King speed demon solos are fired off during the song’s chorus, adding to the circle pit chaos that’s already going on during the verses. It goes crazy at the end and just ends cold, leaving you begging for more.
“Public Display of Dismemberment” begins with the band pummeling you as they play with fury like the well-oiled machine that they are. It’s classic fast and furious Slayer. If you like thrash then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. “Human Strain” is another slower, doom and gloom track. If you can picture the soundtrack to the end of the world, this definitely fits the bill. It also fits with the “South of Heaven” and “Seasons” era material. “Americon” begins with Lombardo pounding his kit and a memorable riff that hammers your senses. Araya does well with matching the pace of the music with his vocals. The line that says “It’s all about the motherfuckin’ oil” is a bit hokey, but the message behind the song and King’s ability to try to capture other countries’ view of America is very appropriate especially considering the events of the past 15-20 years. This is definitely one of the best tracks on the album. “Psychopathy Red” begins quickly and furiously as they explode into the type of thrash that made them famous. The pummeling rhythm section and chainsaw riffs are heavy as hell, with Araya’s psychotic vocals stealing the show on this one. Very well done, and I like how they get in and make their point and then move on. There’s no extending the song just for the hell of it.
“Playing With Dolls” is a bit gloomy to begin as Araya spews manic vocals. If the guy’s vocals hadn’t scared the shit out of you at least once in the past, this look into the mind of a serial killer and his demented delivery might be the one to do the trick. While slowed down, the track is still heavy and will please those who are open-minded and don’t shut things out that aren’t their normal preference. There are a few parts where they speed it up, but that doesn’t really fit the mood they try to set, and to be honest, the slower, gloomier mood fits the subject material much better. “Not of This God” begins quickly as the band charges into battle, pummeling your senses as Araya unleashes furious vocals and the rest of the band continues the punishment.
Thankfully, Slayer didn’t take so long between albums this time. Hopefully their next album will only be 3-4 years away. When you’re still at the top of your game you might as well keep putting out good music instead of letting too much time pass between albums. I’m very happy with this album and can’t find much that Slayer could’ve done better. This is definitely a contender for album of the year. Things really haven’t changed all that much for this band as they prove they’re still the kings of thrash metal.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
Recommended tracks: Americon, Psychopathy Red, World Painted Blood
Track listing:
1. World Painted Blood
2. Unit 731
3. Snuff
4. Beauty Through Order
5. Hate Worldwide
6. Public Display of Dismemberment
7. Human Strain
8. Americon
9. Psychopathy Red
10. Playing With Dolls
11. Not of This God
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