Oh boy, are you guys ready for some old-school thrash metal? 🤘 Because SLAYER just celebrated the 40th anniversary of their iconic album “Reign In Blood” with a headlining show in Mexico City, and I’m still trying to pick up the pieces of my shattered eardrums. The show, which took place on October 21 at Palacio De Los Deportes, featured the entire album performed in full, because why not? It’s not like they’ve played it a million times before or anything. 😴
So, the setlist was pretty much what you’d expect from a SLAYER show, with a few surprises thrown in to keep things interesting. They played all the classics, including “South Of Heaven”, “Hate Worldwide”, and “Disciple”, before diving into the “Reign In Blood” album in its entirety. Because, you know, that’s not something they’ve done before. 🙄 The crowd, of course, lost their minds, singing along to every word and probably forgetting that they have to go to work tomorrow.
The “Reign In Blood” Album: A Brief History
Released on October 7, 1986, through Def Jam Recordings, “Reign In Blood” was the band’s first collaboration with producer Rick Rubin, who apparently helped them find their sound or something. 🎧 The album was a game-changer in the thrash metal scene, with Kerrang! magazine describing it as “the heaviest album of all time”. Yeah, because that’s not a subjective opinion at all. 🤷♂️ The album’s release was delayed due to concerns over its graphic artwork and lyrical subject matter, because of course it was.
SLAYER’s guitarist Jeff Hanneman had some thoughts on the controversy surrounding the album’s lyrics, saying “Angel Of Death” was a big problem, and that people just didn’t get it. 🙄 He said it was a documentary, not a celebration of Nazism, but hey, who needs context when you can just assume the worst, right? 🤦♂️ The album went on to become a huge success, entering The Billboard 200 chart at No. 94 and eventually being certified gold by the RIAA. Not bad for a bunch of guys playing loud music and screaming about death and destruction. 🤑
SLAYER’s Comeback Shows: Because You Can Never Have Too Much SLAYER
The band’s lineup for their comeback shows has been the same as their last tour in 2019, featuring guitarist Kerry King, drummer Paul Bostaph, bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, and guitarist Gary Holt. Because, you know, that lineup didn’t get old the first time around. 😒 They’ve been playing shows all over the place, including a few festivals, and even helped celebrate BLACK SABBATH’s career by playing a six-song set at their sold-out “Back To The Beginning” final concert. Because, you know, SLAYER and BLACK SABBATH are basically the same thing. 🤷♂️
In a 2009 interview, Tom Araya said that “Reign In Blood” was a special album, and that Rick Rubin helped them capture their sound. 🎤 Kerry King added that it was the first time people actually heard SLAYER in their pure ferocity, and that it made a big difference. Yeah, no kidding. 🙄 Dave Lombardo, the band’s drummer, called the album a masterpiece, saying it’s one of those albums that will stand the test of time. 🙏 Well, duh. It’s not like it’s just a bunch of noise or anything. 🤣
So, there you have it. SLAYER is still playing shows, still screaming about death and destruction, and still making old guys like me feel nostalgic for the good old days. 🎸 If you’re a fan of loud music and questionable lyrics, then you’re in luck, because SLAYER is still going strong. 🤘 Just don’t forget your earplugs. 💀
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
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