SLAYER — Repentless (review)

Album · 2015 · Thrash Metal

4.5/5 · 2015-09-13
Nightfly

In some ways Repentless may be the most important album Slayer have ever made. Not only have they lost their drummer Dave Lombardo (again) but it’s also their first since the shocking death of guitarist Jeff Hanneman who wrote much of the bands most celebrated material. Fortunately past drummer, the excellent Paul Bostaph has returned and Exodus guitarist Gary Holt, who’s been helping them out with live shows even before Hanneman’s death when he was in poor health is a more than able substitute. Both are on brilliant form here.

It’s good news, not only have they proved that there’s life for the band without Hanneman, they’ve actually released their best album since...ooh….probably Seasons In The Abyss. World Painted Blood was good, the title track stunning, but was marred by a thin and harsh sounding production. Repentless sounds meatier – could this be anything to do with this being the first Slayer album I’ve bought on vinyl since South Of Heaven? Probably not but I think Slayer’s sound does benefit from the warmth of vinyl. Most importantly though it’s the songs that matter and they’ve come up with some killers and overall consistency too. After short opening instrumental Delusions of Saviour the ferocious title track kicks in and is powerful statement of intent driving along at breakneck speed with Kerry King and Holt riffing like their life depended on it and vocalist/bassist Tom Araya on fine form. The pace continues on Take Control, at least in part but this album’s not all about speed. They’re never going to top Reign In Blood for sheer speed and ferocity but they grind and groove with some truly memorable and great riffs, none better than the broodingly dark Cast The First Stone.

The first half is a bit more memorable than the second but only just, there’s still much to offer like the driving Chasing Death and Piano Wire’s riff after a few plays reveals itself to be one of the most infectious riffs on the album.

Slayer no doubt felt they had much to prove with Repentless but such is the quality of this album that even their harshest critics must be silenced. They’ve exceeded expectations and if there’s a better thrash metal album released this year I’ll be amazed. We couldn’t have hoped for more than this.

more than 2 years ago
Permalink
Report #313135

Share this review

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer

Please login to post a shout

Nightfly wrote:

more than 2 years ago

To be honest Holt fits in perfectly - it still sounds like a Slayer album and never do you think that you're hearing an Exodus riff.

The Angry Scotsman wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I have to admit, given I am not a huge fan of King I was quite worried about this album, though no doubt Holt and Bostaph are legends, but your review certainly has me intrigued. Will give this a listen soon

Vim Fuego wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I'd put this on a par with World Painted Blood. Love 'em both.

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Wow, I listened to it and I can easily agree that it is their best album since Seasons of the Abyss. This is certainly going to be one of my top albums of the year.