Slayer, 'World Painted Blood'

Metal masters still crazy after all these years

By Adam McKibbin

Metromix

Release date: November 3, 2009
Record label: American
Official Web site: http://www.slayer.net/

The buzz: Eighties metal die-hards have watched most of their heroes succumb to retirement, endless lineup changes, haircuts or ballads. Slayer loom as a major exception, especially since dynamo drummer Dave Lombardo rejoined prior to 2006’s “Christ Illusion.” “World Painted Blood,” their 10th studio album, promises—and delivers—more of the same, with what remains an essentially unmatched combination of technical aptitude, blasphemy, profanity and serious anger issues. Parental advisory!

The verdict: Don’t judge a book by its cover, but feel free to judge “World Painted Blood” by its song titles (“Snuff,” “Public Display of Dismemberment”) or its opening lines (“I am the last of the dying insane!”; “I stab you right between the eyes!”). Slayer long ago surrendered any pretense of surprising listeners with real departures or experiments. But here’s an ongoing surprise: Rich dudes in their mid-40s can still be convincing when writing lightning-fast metal songs about death and destruction—and, in the case of God-baiting guitarist Kerry King, the extent to which he detests Christianity. Each riff seemingly tries to outdo the one before, and it’s that lack of complacency that’s the cornerstone of the band’s continued relevance. If you compare them to their current competition rather than to themselves circa 1986-1990, Slayer score a knockout on “World Painted Blood.”

Did you know? The lead designer of “Guitar Hero: Metallica” saluted Slayer for providing the “high-end difficulty” the game needed. Maybe they deserve their own experts-only edition?