Slayer is one of theheavy metal"Big Four" of the genre. Along withMetallica, Megadeth and Anthrax, Slayer helped shape the future of music with their brutal and fast thrash metal sound. Over the past forty-one years, the sounds of Slayer have influenced countless bands and generations of heavy metal music lovers. Despite the band's canceled thirteenth album and breakup in 2019, Slayerone of the genresGiants known worldwide for their incredible sound and stage presence. Here are the ten best Slayer songs of all time.
10. South of Heaven from South of Heaven, 1988
South of Heaven is the title track from Slayer's 1988 album. This hard hitting thrash metal song lives up to its title. The lyrics are about hell, but more importantly, this is the song and album that gave the band its "evil" reputation.As Kerrang puts it, “…with 1988's South Of Heaven, Slayer officially became the baddest band in metal. By experimenting with pacing and writing lyrics with a more psychological approach to the horrors of this world and the next, Slayer evolved from a flaming tank with no brakes hurtling across the battlefield to a sonic shadow that hardened across the face Music spreads and it falls into the endless night."
9. World Painted Blood von World Painted Blood, 2009
World Painted Blood is a dark story. The end of days is a popular theme for both heavy metal and horror, and this song is both. The central theme of the apocalypse rolls relentlessly from first to last word with lyrics like: "The slaughter rules the law. The apocalypse begins. Pain becomes normal. I seek murder.” World Painted Blood is merely a twisted description of what it would feel like to witness and be part of a series of incredibly bloody events that spell the end of the world.
8. Pride of Prejudice from Repentless, 2015
Pride In Prejudice is the perfect name for this great song from the 2015 album Repentless. PIP is about how people excuse their prejudices, but they should just call it what it is and not beat around the bush. It's not about being really proud of being that type of person, but instead calling them to embrace things as they are. The video is convincing. The incomparable Danny Trejo and the story's protagonist have been kidnapped by Nazis who are trying to have Danny killed, but they fight their way free in a very bloody fight scene.
7. Dead Skin Mask aus Seasons In The Abyss, 1990
In the 1950s, serial killer Ed Gein was known for more than just killing. Gein collected and wore his victims' faces like masks and collected their bones. So horrifying was his nightmarish legacy that three of the most famous horror films of all time, The Silence of the Lambs, Psycho, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, were loosely based on his heinous acts. Dead Skin Mask is about Gein which is a perfect theme for Slayer to make music. Given how well the band is known for their "dark and sinister" musical content, a serial killer story seems almost inevitable. Of course, that's a limited view of the art involved, but most people never look past the surface. The thought and effort that went into composing this social commentary is lost on those who would label a band like Slayer "evil".
6. Black magic from Show No Mercy, 1983
There are several ways to interpret black magic, and none is wrong. The singer in this song could easily be the literal victim of dark magic. An evil magician or sorcerer has captured her and held her spellbound against her will. However,according to song meaningsSome fans say it's about a girl who's a victim of sex trafficking, while others argue it's the story of Emily Rose's exorcism or playing with Ouija boards. Only the band members know for sure.
5. Jihad von Christ Illusion, 2006
Jihad from theChristusThe Illusion album certainly ruffled a few feathers, reminding fans and protesters alike that Slayer has something to say and isn't here to sugarcoat it for you. The song is told from the point of view of a terrorist who took part in 9/11. The song ends with words left by one of the bombers. Slayer's take on this tragedy has angered many people, but they also highlight what motivates people to commit acts of true evil.
4. Raining Blood from Reign In Blood, 1986
Raining Blood is one of Slayer's most well-known songs and one of the band's favorite songs. It was such a staple of their career that after the release of the Reign in Blood album it was on virtually every setlist. The lyrics are about a lost soul thrown out of heaven and into purgatory. The dead man still has so much anger he can't rest, so he goes on a vengeful killing spree, "f–king people up".
3. Repentless von Repentless, 2015
The stress of life hits everyone. Even if you're a member of an epic Big Four heavy metal band, touring, and living a life most people can only dream of, it doesn't make everything easy. Repentless is all about how much the singer hates fame and the people he sometimes associates with. The frustration with ego struggles and other issues that arise is evident, but so is the "unrepentance." The singer isn't sorry for being who he is, doing what he does so well, or feeling how he feels about it.
2. Seasons in the Abyss from Seasons in the Abyss, 1990
Seasons in the Abyss is the title track from their 1990 album. Incidentally, Seasons In The Abyss was the band's first album to chart in the Billboard Top 40. This song was also the first Slayer music video ever. Lyrically introspective, the song talks about stepping out of your body and how true self-reflection can drive you insane.
1. Todesengel aus Reign In Blood, 1986
Angel of Death is Slayer's biggest hit and most popular song. Like many famous horror films, Slayer didn't shy away from writing music about the Holocaust. Unfortunately, naysayers and alarmists used much of their content to demonize the band. More than once rumors have circulated that they are satanists (the kind you see in horror movies unrelated to the satanic church) or support white supremacy. However, anyone who actually listens to the lyrics or watches the videos can clearly see that these are expressions of horror and disgust and should never be implied that any atrocity is a good or desirable thing. Also, the song is musically exquisite, with catchy riffs and an excellent solo.
Final Thoughts
There's good news and bad news for Slayer fans. The good news is that if you loved these top ten songs, you can enjoy twelve full studio albums. The bad news, however, is that it seems unlikely that Slayer will ever get back together or tour again. There has been some unconfirmed speculation that the band broke up over political differences, but whatever the case, Slayer's contribution to music will continue for decades to come.
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