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Slayer
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Christ Illusion
American Recordings
Release: 8/08/2006
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Rated:
Review by:
J Sherrod
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Slayer, SLAYER, SLAYYEERRR!!! It's finally here! I've been
chomping at the bit for the follow-up to 2001's God
Hates Us All a few years now. Then
06/06/2006 rolled
around and all other SLAYER fans and I got was a collector's
edition enhanced CD, Eternal Pyre, including
one new song, "Cult," a live performance of the classic "War
Ensemble" and some studio/behind the scenes
footage.
As I waited (somewhat patiently) for my review copy to
arrive I managed to steer clear of hearing the record,
reading magazine or other press reviews and the opinions of
my friends - which was by far the most difficult to
accomplish. I did this so that I could form my own unbiased
opinion of the album. Though it came out in August it wasn't
until October 30th I discovered it for the very first
time.
"Flesh Storm" kicks things off in true SLAYER (must be typed
in all caps as no rightful fan ever just says, 'Slayer') fashion.
Total fuckin' punishment with no regard for women, children
or innocent bystanders within earshot. Certain parts remind
me of classics "Skeletons Of Society" and "Blood Red." Love
it or hate it, no truer words have ever been spoken than
"violence is a way of life." Forever has been, forever will
be.
Though part of me is anti anything negative in regards to
SLAYER, I must keep things within reason when doin' an
honest review. With that bein' said, the weakest part of this
CD comes with fourth track "Eyes Of The Insane."
Vocalist/bassist Tom Araya wrote the lyrics to this song of
war, which isn't uncommon, but unlike others in the past, he
seems to try to put himself in the mindset of a soldier
returning home after witnessing the horrors of what he knows
nothing of.
I'll remain a SLAYER fan forever, and I personally have
never been to war, but there's two things I know without any
doubt. My younger brother and countless others have served
and died for this country and Tom has not! As much as I
love him and the guys for lyrically pushing every boundary, you just don't touch some things unless
you've observed them first hand. At times, trying to put yourself
in the shoes of a human being who HAS seen the
unspeakable things you sing about just isn't appropriate.
Maybe I'm readin' too much into it, but I just don't dig this one. Besides, how many times can you use the word psychotically in one song?
Movin' along and keepin' it as short as possible, Christ
Illusion is everything a SLAYER fan could wish for.
Though there are a couple of weaker songs, the album is still
a commanding record that proves the band hasn't mellowed
with age. With their classic line-up (Tom Araya, Jeff Hanneman,
Kerry King - and for the first album since Seasons Of The
Abyss - Dave Lombardo on drums) the band shows they are
just as hostile and potent as they ever have been. The lyrics to "Jihad" and "Cult" show just how lethal the pen can be - compared to that of the sword.
A parental advisory sticker on this album serves the general
public no security. Much like a driver's license or handgun
permit, one should have to take a training course to listen to
and/or carry Christ Illusion (or any other
SLAYER album for that matter.) Though it's no Reign
In Blood, it's still about as toxic as an abused
twelve-year-old with a butcher's knife who's battling an
addiction to meth. I just made that up, but I'm sure there's
one out there, and he's a very unpleasant person we'll be
hearin' about in the future.
It's not perfect, but my thirst has been quenched and I'm fat
and satisfied for a few more years. |
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