Since forming in 1981, Slayer have dominated the world of metal with their uncompromising sound and ugly worldview. During their 37-year, 12 studio album career, the band’s 1986 release Reign In Blood set the benchmark for thrash metal, a 29-minute explosion of searing riffs and impossibly intense drumming, cementing their place in The Big Four, alongside Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth.
The band bid farewell to guitarist and one of its founding members Jeff Hanneman, who died of liver failure on May 2, 2013, but as an architect of many of the band’s greatest riffs, his legacy will live on.
After almost 3,000 shows, the Californian quartet will kick off their final North American tour in San Diego this evening with guests Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Behemoth and Testament. Here, as a salute to their incredible career, is our ultimate Slayer playlist.
1. Black Magic
Slayer’s 1983 debut album was steeped in occult imagery, from the caped Baphomet in leather undies, pentagram of swords to the frantic, Venom-inspired lyrics of evil that informed its 10 tracks. Black Magic remains a highlight some 35 years later; Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King’s buzzsaw riffs are underpinned by Dave Lombardo’s rapid-fire drumming. Araya’s vocals might sound like they were recorded in a bin, but look out for his high-pitched scream at 2:16. Bloodcurdling.