In the decades since Slayer's inception in 1982, the band have messed about with various techniques and sounds -- they even cut a disastrous nu-metal album -- they've never really been big on experimentation. Of the big four -- with Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth -- they've remained closer to their roots than any of the others. Repentless, their debut for Nuclear Blast, is their first record in six years and showcases a host of changes. The most significant one, of course, is the death of founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman ...
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In the decades since Slayer's inception in 1982, the band have messed about with various techniques and sounds -- they even cut a disastrous nu-metal album -- they've never really been big on experimentation. Of the big four -- with Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth -- they've remained closer to their roots than any of the others. Repentless, their debut for Nuclear Blast, is their first record in six years and showcases a host of changes. The most significant one, of course, is the death of founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman in 2013 -- the chief architect of the band's sound. As the composer of many classic Slayer tracks including "Hell Awaits," "Angel of Death," "Dead Skin Mask," "Raining Blood," etc., he brought an unhinged punk spirit to Slayer's metal palette. It contrasted sharply with fellow guitarist Kerry King's thrash to create a signature sound -- underscored by Tom Araya's boomy bass playing and gruff vocals. Gary Holt of Exodus was selected as Hanneman's replacement, but his approach is much closer to King's style, making the void obvious. Repentless also marks the return of drummer Paul Bostaph after the controversial firing of Dave Lombardo. If Slayer ever needed a reason to look back for inspiration, it's here. The lion's share of responsibility for their sound has been passed on to King. He is not as imaginative as Hanneman, but does a more than acceptable job. This is mostly a thrash metal offering, full of manic tempos, blistering riffs, naked aggression, typical misanthropy, and angry grief (check "Chasing Death" as proof of the latter). The title track single attempts to mirror the band's earliest attack and mostly succeeds. "Take Control" is an anthemic call to warfare with Araya in grainy but still ferocious voice. Fine breaks by King and Holt elevate it to choice cut status. "Vices" is a crushing paean to violence ("...It's a rush you can't deny/a little violence is the ultimate drug/let's get high!...") emphasized by a blistering solo from King. Hanneman has a writing credit on "Piano Wire," partially composed at the time of his death. It offers a chugging, grooving riff and a couple of sharp tempo changes. Bostaph's drumming is solid. He's quick, technical and physical -- listen to the alternating double bass and hi-hat work on "Cast the First Stone." "When the Stillness Comes," an outlier in the middle of the record, commences with doom and mystery as Araya whispers atop a moody guitar and cymbals. While it shifts to crunchy, midtempo riffing, it doesn't go anywhere -- it's just album filler. That's compensated for by the insane pace and guitar soloing in "You Against You." Repentless is a retro, workmanlike effort from a band determined to soldier on, and that's fine. There are hardcore devotees who never want their favorite bands to change; this is for them. But again, given all that's transpired since 2009, Slayer get points for even pulling this off. [Repentless was also released on LP.] ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi
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Add this copy of Repentless to cart. $31.47, good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Sony Music Canada Inc.
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Add this copy of Repentless [Vinyl] to cart. $44.74, new condition, Sold by Revaluation Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Exeter, DEVON, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2015 by Nuclear Blast.
Add this copy of Repentless to cart. $46.76, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Sony Music Canada Inc.
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