Slayer - Christ Illusion

[Liu]

Slayer - Christ Illusion
American

So here we finally have a new Slayer album. There really isn't alot to say about this band that most people don't already know. One of the big four thrash bands, released Reign In Blood, one of the most controversial bands of all time, etc etc. There's no real need to describe their sound. You know what you're getting before you even pop in the cd, and if you don't, then you're really on the wrong site. Probably the most notable thing about the 2006 incarnation of Slayer is that thrash drummer extraordinaire Dave Lombardo is back behind the kit, marking the reunion of the classic 80's line-up.

Many early reports suggested that Christ Illusion is the spiritual successor to Reign In Blood. Well, that's a bit of a stretch but the album certainly has moments that aren't out of place with their 80's hallmarks. The modern influences found on the last two albums have been thankfully removed for the most part. Lomardo's presence is definately a step in the right direction, the drumming has alot more punch and personality than it did when Paul Bostaph was in the band. I always felt that Bostaph got alot of unnecessary flack during his tenure, he just had the unfortunate role of replacing the unreplaceable. On the other hand, Tom Araya's vocals are still as strained as ever, and his bass playing once again not really worth mentioning. Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman keep doing what they've always done, no real surprises with their guitar work. Outside of the improved drumming, its pretty much standard Slayer fare.

Flesh Storm and Catalyst starts out things with two of their best songs in years. They really have the feel of a late 80's Slayer song, which isn't a bad thing in my book. Certainly better than what they offered on God Hates Us All. Eyes Of The Insane is an slower song in the vein of South Of Heaven and Dead Skin Mask. For some reason I keep getting reminded of Lee Dorian when I hear Tom singing the song's verses. I commented his to a friend (who is a huge Cathedral fan) and his response was something to the effect of "Lee would kill himself just so he can spin in his grave." The band will no doubt recieve alot of criticism for Jihad, the lyrics of which are about the 9/11 terrorist attacks from the viewpoint of one of the terrorists. Its done in the way Slayer always handles these subjects, with the indifference and matter-of-factness that a newscast would give it. Consfearacy is another quick blasting song like the first two songs. Catatonic is pretty unremarkable, leaving you, well, catatonic. The last 3 songs, notably Cult and Supremacy, do pack a formidable punch, bringing the album out of the pit of mere averageness.

The lyrics are pretty tame by Slayer's normal standards. I'm not sure what it is, but they aren't raising eyebrows anymore. Maybe its the realization that Tom Araya is a born again christian singing adolescent satanic lyrics. It just comes across as odd and really forced. Then again by this point I'm not sure what else they could sing about. There isn't a wide range of source material for a Slayer song lyric.

So Christ Illusion doesn't really offer any surprises, but there isn't alot of innovation to be expected from Slayer anyway. Reign In Blood part II this certainly is not, but at the same time it is far from the worst this band can do.


01. Flesh Storm
02. Catalyst
03. Skeleton Christ
04. Eyes Of The Insane
05. Jihad
06. Consfearacy
07. Catatonic
08. Black Serenade
09. Cult
10. Supremacy

Score: 6/10