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In contrast to the mixed response received by 2006’s Christ Illusion, Slayer’s 11th studio album was widely acclaimed, not least because it noisily revisited the raw, vicious vibe of the band’s early works. This record also made its mark as one of the inspirations for the grind genre. With a comparatively more sophisticated production, the band were carving their own niche, as witnessed on the title track, At Dawn They Sleep and Hardening Of The Arteries. The band were tighter, sharper and, yes, faster than before. A true invocation of dark forces that can still unnerve the unwary.Īnyone who believes Slayer just make the same album over and over really should listen to Show No Mercy, and then this one. Wrong! To be as convincing as this, the fearless foursome had to be more than competent. Some misunderstood the band’s high speed, unrelenting approach as proving they had little of musical value to offer. This was extreme, even by the standard Metallica had set at the time. Recorded with virtually no budget, Show No Mercy was so vicious and downright evil that it knocked most people’s perceptions of metal on its head. Also, the guitars seemed to be mixed too low and not, as is Slayer’s way, pushed right up in your face.
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Further problems emerged because the band used several studios and two producers – Toby Wright and Rick Rubin – which gave the album a disjointed feel. A fine drummer, but not quite in the same class, or with the same impact, as his predecessor. Paul Bostaph came in to replace Lombardo. Songs like Chasing Death and Implode are as heavy and hostile as anything in the Slayer catalogue, but it was the gruesome, slow-motion squall of When The Stillness Comes that packed the biggest emotional punch. The late guitarist’s Piano Wire aside, this was Kerry King’s album: a scowling reaffirmation of musical values, given extra impetus by the need to honour a fallen comrade. From the rampaging shock ‘n’ awe of its title track to the seething belligerence of Pride In Prejudice, Repentless made it plain that the tragic death of Jeff Hanneman was not going to dent Slayer’s sonic armour.