For the past few weeks Repentless the latest studio release from the metal legends Slayer has been a regular player. I'm not going to make any outlandish claims that the latest from Slayer has tracks that do rival their classics, speaking of which so many of those that you will find on the Live at Wacken Blu-ray or DVD depending on which version you purchase. No you won't find another "Angel of Death" or "South Of Heaven", yet Repentless is still one potent metal album loaded with aggression and tempo changes.
With only half of THE classic Slayer line-up remaining that is guitarist/composer Kerry King and lead vocalist/bass player Tom Araya, and whilst I have read the thoughts of those who don't share my sentiments Repentless really isn't that bad of an album at all especially given the circumstances. Despite adversity and then tragedy with the passing of guitarist Jeff Hanneman since their last studio album 2009's World Painted Blood Slayer haven't packed up shop or just gone touring playing their greatest hits, they have given us another worthwhile recording. Over the years Slayer have recorded some truly killer and not to mention the most memorable riffs and there's no shortage of catchy riffs on Repentless. Drummer Paul Bostaph is back slotting in like he never left and with another nimble and powerful performance, his playing on tracks like "Vices" and the excellent "Cast The First Stone" is just so good. Then there is Exodus guitarist Gary Holt who is one seriously talented player and adds some very tasty solos. The album starts of strongly with a short introduction "Delusion Of Saviour" leading to the impressive and thrashing title track "Repentless" followed by the hard driving metal of "Take Control". "When The Stillness Comes" is a great potent track both dark and atmospheric, "Piano Wire" was written by the late Jeff Hanneman and is another top inclusion on Repentless, I really like Tom Araya's vocals on this track and elsewhere for that matter.
As for the big four well on the negative side I gave up on Metallica years ago, Megadeth are so on and off it's not funny and while onto the positives and Anthrax's last album was a pleasing surprise as was Slayer's. And if Slayer keep releasing metal albums such as World Painted Blood and Repentless then that's quite ok with me.
Track Listing
1. Delusions Of Saviour
2. Repentless
3. Take Control
4. Vices
5. Cast The First Stone
6. When The Stillness Comes
7. Chasing Death
8. Implode
9. Piano Wire
10. Atrocity Vendor
11. You Against You
12. Pride In Prejudice
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