Slayer: Tom Araya (vocals, bass guitar); Jeff Hanneman, Kerry King (guitar); Dave Lombardo (drums).
2006's CHRIST ILLUSION marks a return to form for one of the fiercest and most influential metal bands in history. Slayer's original lineup reconvened in the studio for the first time since 1990's SEASONS IN THE ABYSS for CHRIST ILLUSION, and the results recall the classic sound of landmark thrash releases like 1986's REIGN IN BLOOD. Time hasn't dulled the band's terrifying intensity one iota; if anything, Slayer's sound crackles with renewed attack.
The breathtaking double-time drums, grinding guitar riff, and throat-shredding vocals on the opener, "Flesh Storm," signal the relentless sonic onslaught in store for the listener. Lyrically, too, Slayer is in fine form, exploring in typically dark fashion the pitfalls of religion, orthodoxy, and--with timely references to unrest in the Middle East--the ideology of war. But it's the band's musical chops that impress the most, with radical song structures, angular tempo changes, and blistering guitar solos that prove the legendary band is still a step ahead of their numerous followers. minimize