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Slayer

Slayer

thrash metal

United States Est. 1981 Disbanded 2019

"A relentless barrage of double-time rhythms and rapid-fire riffs creates an atmosphere thick with tension and unyielding momentum."

Quick Start

A good place to start with Slayer is…

Christ Illusion

Christ Illusion

2006
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Career Arc

Slayer's discography from 1983 to 2015

1983 1999 2015
Show No Mercy (1983) Live Undead (1984) Haunting the Chapel (1984) Hell Awaits (1985) Reign in Blood (1986) Angel of Death (1986) Raining Blood (1986) Postmortem (1986) Criminally Insane (Remix) (1987) South of Heaven (1988) Seasons in the Abyss (1990) Decade of Aggression (1991) Divine Intervention (1994) Dittohead (1994) Live Intrusion (1995) Serenity in Murder (1995) Undisputed Attitude (1996) I Hate You (1996) Diabolus in Musica (1998) Stain of Mind (1998)
Slayer matters because they carved a raw and relentless path through the metal landscape, challenging norms with their unfiltered approach to brutality and darkness.
Slayer matters because they carved a raw and relentless path through the metal landscape, challenging norms with their unfiltered approach to brutality and darkness. Their music doesn't just push boundaries; it confronts listeners with themes of violence, horror, and societal decay, influencing countless artists and evolving the thrash metal scene into something more visceral and intense. The band’s intensity has created a space where aggression becomes a form of catharsis, fueling a community that thrives on the power of heavy music. Their approach melded speed with precision, mastering a sound that is as much about rhythm as it is about ferocity. By employing intricate guitar work alongside thunderous drums, Slayer established a sonic framework that felt both chaotic and meticulously crafted. This balance allows their tracks to maintain an adrenaline-fueled pace while engaging listeners in complex musical dialogues that shift seamlessly between frenzied outbursts and calculated intricacies. Lyrically, Slayer often explores dark themes ranging from mythology to personal strife, presenting them with a raw sincerity that captivates audiences. Their storytelling tends to veer into the graphic and unsettling, employing irony and shock value to provoke thought while immersing the listener in chilling narratives. The tone is consistently aggressive yet introspective, drawing listeners deep into the abyss of their lyrical explorations.

Full discography

Slayer's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

36 releases • 19 albums • 2 EPS • 1983–2015
Type:

EPs ()

Eternal Pyre album by Slayer

Eternal Pyre

2006

Haunting the Chapel album by Slayer

Haunting the Chapel

1984

Singles ()

Cast the First Stone album by Slayer

Cast the First Stone

2015

When the Stillness Comes album by Slayer

When the Stillness Comes

2015

World Painted Blood album by Slayer

World Painted Blood

2010

Hate Worldwide album by Slayer

Hate Worldwide

2009

Psychopathy Red album by Slayer

Psychopathy Red

2009

Eyes of the Insane album by Slayer

Eyes of the Insane

2006

God Send Death album by Slayer

God Send Death

2001

Stain of Mind album by Slayer

Stain of Mind

1998

I Hate You album by Slayer

I Hate You

1996

Serenity in Murder album by Slayer

Serenity in Murder

1995

Dittohead album by Slayer

Dittohead

1994

Criminally Insane (Remix) album by Slayer

Criminally Insane (Remix)

1987

Angel of Death album by Slayer

Angel of Death

1986

Raining Blood album by Slayer

Raining Blood

1986

Postmortem album by Slayer

Postmortem

1986

No releases match the current filters.

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Slayer sound like?

A relentless barrage of double-time rhythms and rapid-fire riffs creates an atmosphere thick with tension and unyielding momentum. Rooted in thrash metal. Start with Reign in Blood.

What is the best Slayer album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Reign in Blood" (1986). It's the most representative of what makes Slayer worth hearing.

Who is Slayer for?

If you're into thrash metal, Slayer is worth your time. A relentless barrage of double-time rhythms and rapid-fire riffs creates an atmosphere thick with tension and unyielding momentum.

How many albums does Slayer have?

Slayer has 36 releases in their discography, including 19 albums and 2 EPs.

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