Lunes 2 Nov 2009, 13:38

You know when your band name has become a rallying cry for an entire genre that you must have done something right. In Slayer's case, they've done quite a bit right – and they've been doing it for awhile now. It seems as if none of the members have any illusions that they will top the insurmountable Reign in Blood, as their album progression has been largely free of a forced and overdone sound. Why try to top it, anyway? Both albums that followed, South of Heaven and Seasons in the Abyss, were considerably slower and more melodic, yet they are undeniable classics in their own right. So, despite the fact that new album World Painted Blood rings of old school Slayer more than any other release since then, it doesn't try to be anything other than its own milestone. Nevertheless, there is one common thread that binds Slayer's catalogue together, making its way onto World Painted Blood: excellent heavy metal.

Note: Please read the rest of my review at my Examiner.com page!