Album Review: Slayer - Repentless
By Eric Perzanowski, Staff Writer
[Nuclear Blast; 2015]
Rating: 3/5
Key Tracks: “When The Stillness Comes” “Repentless”
It had been nearly six years since Slayer released a new album. In that time, guitarist Jeff Hanneman passed away and drummer Dave Lombardo parted ways with the band; the decision to carry on seemed to divide die-hard fans. There weren’t huge expectations with Repentless, but in the end, it is about on the same level as its two predecessors, World Painted Blood and Christ Illusion--a decent enough reminder of Slayer’s glory days.
Like the bulk of Slayer’s material, there is a level of predictability with Repentless. That isn’t a problem as long as it delivers in unleashing Slayer’s trademark evil and ferocity. There are several moments throughout (“Piano Wire,” “Chasing Death,” “Cast The First Stone”) that come off as genuine, inspired throwbacks to vintage Slayer.
The title track is one of Repentless’ strongest because of how reminiscent to classic Slayer it is. But before even listening to the tune, one with a decent knowledge of the group could easily predict how Tom Araya would shout the opening lyrics.
“Arrogance, violence, world in disarray / Dealing with insanity every fucking day / I hate life, hate the fame, hate the fucking scene / Pissing match of egos, fuck their vanity.”
The lyrical content does try a little too hard at times to re-capture Slayer’s classic evil edginess. For example, "A little violence is the ultimate drug / Let's get high!" from the chorus of "Vices."
“When The Stillness Comes” stands out and is in the vein of classic songs like “Dead Skin Mask.” It doesn’t rely on typical rapid-fire thrash elements and instead slows it down, creating an ominous atmosphere. In a live setting this song crushes; the general eeriness is amplified by the band’s massive set, gloomy backdrop video and the chorus' heavy guitar tones flowing like molten lava.
It’s been a long time since Slayer has released an album that directly impacted and shaped the metal scene. Though Repentless likely won’t inspire the next great wave of thrash bands, it plays out more like a tribute to the albums that did shape the scene.
