American/Sony/BMG
New Slayer albums always go through the same two wringers. The first: How does it compare to 1986 thrash metal masterpiece Reign in Blood . Naturally nothing but 1990’s Seasons in the Abyss has come close to that album’s er reign of terror so that question can immediately be negated — but let it be said that World Painted Blood is a ravenous feverish uncompromising affair that holds its own against metal’s Holy Grail.
In regards to the second measuring stick every new Slayer disc is subject to the same ridiculous cycle tested against its immediate predecessor and slagged for “not being as good” until the next album comes out. Then it’s instantly favourable. That might not be the case this time though. Thanks to World’s forthright aggression superior writing and undisputed attitude it is far more accomplished than 2006’s Christ Illusion . Blending subdued intros with rabid tension lightning-fast riffs and some of bassist-vocalist Tom Araya’s best shrieks since “Angel of Death” the quartet has finally regrouped and is reinvigorated after reinstating original drummer Dave Lombardo as an equal songsmith. While production values feel somewhat thin at times it’s impossible to deny that World continues Slayer’s tradition of fast thick heavy and dark thrash metal. No it’s not Reign in Blood but with its overall return to form accented by modest forays into experimentation it’s still fucking miles ahead of say Diabolus in Musica .
