SLAYER – “Reign In Blood”
Slayer’s “Reign In Blood” was chosen by Andy Bang today. And though we may make wrong choices often- in cologne, hairstyles or inappropriate behavior in public. I think we picked a winner right here, instead of our noses, which is more often the case.
As we are about to conduct a dual texting review of this classic album. We ask that all smoking materials be extinguished at this time and all cellphones and electrical appliances turned off, as we need the utmost concentration in performing our utmost foolish tasks.
So sit back, relax. Let your self become one with the universe, with eternity itself, as we enter the realm that knows no boundaries, that disregards the laws of physics as if they were mere speed zone signs, as we plunge headlong, face first, into the sacred void of dual texting.
Andy- So here we are again to thrill our readers with trendsetting music of the past. And since the awesomely fantastic Slayer is currently on their farewell tour. I thought it only appropriate that we discuss their best album, and one of the greatest marquis metal albums of all time, “Reign In Blood”.
Slimedog- Do you consider them the originators of thrash metal or like me, pick Culture Club?
Andy- Well, Slayer definitely had a lot to do with creating thrash along with Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. But I think their biggest contribution was in blending metal with hardcore punk.
Slimedog- You rarely see musicianship this good, it’s very hard to play that fast and be so precise. I’ve seen local bands try to go for this style and fail.
Andy- Yeah, they were/are all incredible musicians. And their drummer Dave Lombardo may be the best metal/hardcore drummer I’ve ever heard.
Slimedog- Agreed, that’s if you want to hurt me. If you want to make me cry! So what’s the first song on the agenda?
Andy- The first tune is also the first on the album, “Angel Of Death”. A tune Slayer plays at all their concerts. A hard hitting ditty about Josef Mengele.
Slimedog- Yes, Nazi war criminals are often the subject of pop hit tunes! It starts with a headbanging groove but soon moves into a hardcore romp. The vocals are traditional metal but the guitar solo is amazing, much like Eddie Van Halen’s playing with its creativity.
Andy- It’s all quite insanely magical. You can imagine the mosh pit cycling from the get go. Great vocals and awesome down tuned riffs as well.
Slimedog- Thrash is one of my favorite metal genres, but you don’t usually find arrangements and solos at this high of caliber.
Andy- The next tune is “Necrophobic”. Unlike “Angel Of Death” which is almost five minutes long, “Necrophobic” clocks in at about a minute and a half. But in that time they cram in a lot of amazing stuff.
Slimedog- The song starts thrash-y but has some slow parts, too. And probably the best and most extreme guitar solo on the album.
Andy- Yeah, Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King were arguably the best guitar thrash tandem ever.
Slimedog- Because of word constraints we only pick four songs, but this is such a solid album. I love the song “Jesus Saves” and you know that Jesus never wrote a psalm as good as this. And devil music beats gospel music nearly every time.
Andy- I know. The entire album is fantastic and we could talk about it for hours. The next tune is called “Postmortem”. A cool tune with a nice chugging guitar riff.
Slimedog- This sounds like a fairly regular headbangin’ tune with some devil music, but while a lot of metal music is rhythmically loose this song is James Brown tight! Yow! Get on the good foot! And the music builds quite nicely in excitement towards the end.
Andy- Credit for the album’s sound has to go to producer Rick Ruben of Def Jam, which is primarily known as a hip hop label. Although the band was reluctant at first to use Ruben, the results speak for itself.
Slimedog- Rick is an amazing producer who has recorded everyone from The Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash (whose very last albums I love, dearly). Now It’s time for the best song on the album. Do you agree?
Andy- Yes, the best and most iconic Slayer tune ever, “Raining Blood.”
Slimedog- I can’t see anyone picking another, unless it came straight from their nose. It starts with a detonation and has a super fast part that sounds like a pinball machine overloading with Jimi Hendrix playing along.
Andy- There’s nothing quite like it. Awesome guitars, vocals and percussion. All at a frenzied pace. Such an exciting tune. The true definition of what Slayer is all about.
Slimedog- This was a great choice, made more amazing that it, somehow was a choice of ours. Maybe one of the best metal albums of all time?
Andy- Agreed. It’s sad that Slayer is calling it quits, but they’ve left us with an eternity of great metal music. Hopefully another band will grab up the torch someday and continue the trend.
Slimedog- My money’s on Mumford & Sons but I’m not too confident with that choice. Next time it’s my choice but I can’t decide between The Bee Gee’s “Alvin & The Chipmunks Go Disco,” or Lionel Ritchie’s “Hello, I’m the black Barry Manilow.”
Andy- My money’s on The Chipmunks, but you really can’t go wrong with that trio of artists. You may want to add Tiny Tim to the list.
Slimedog- Yes, without him there may not have been a Slayer.
