Last August, Slayer released one of the their best albums since the glory days of Reigning Blood and Seasons in the Abyss. It also featured the return of original drummer, Dave Lombardo, to the fold. Now, less than a year later, they are getting in on the trend to re-release albums as "limited" or "special" editions with extra material. It may be a bit of a cash grab, but it does get some more Slayer material out into the hands of the fans. At least they didn't go and release CDs with differetn track listings to different stores on the same day (I'm looking at you Smashing Pumpkins). Now, to help you with your decision to upgrade or not, I have revisited the album, as well as taken a look at the new material.So far as the original album is concerned it is still full of the religion, hate, and politics lyrics that you have come to expect from Slayer. Lyrical content may be a little silly at times, is secondary to the musical content. None of the tracks disappoint, all of them featuring blazing speed, face melting lead breaks, and some great chugging riff sections.
Top tracks include the holy war controversy of "Jihad" and the outright pit-chugger "Skeleton Christ." "Consfearacy" is sure to get the speed freaks in the pit adrenalized to cause some mass disturbance, not to mention "Catatonic," which features some of the best head banging riffs on the disk.Closing the album is the epic "Supremist." This is very reminiscent of the older Seasons material. A think guitar wall, relentless drums, and Tom Araya's distinctive growl all combine to deliver a strong track that will leave you wanting more.
From the trademark Tom Araya scream, to one of the best metal guitar duos in King and Hanneman, to the returning juggernaut of Dave Lombardo on the skins, they have not missed a beat. This is the Slayer album I have been waiting for, you will not be disappointed.
This limited edition adds two more tracks. The first is an alternate version of "Black Serenade," I actually like this version better than the one that made it to the album. It is a little bit shorter, but it is also a bit more percussive in its executuion than the original. It still has the face melting leads and Araya scream, but Lombardo's drumming is more upfront and clear, with the rhythm guitars taking a lead from the drums giving us a track that is a bit more evil sounding. Apparently, this was the song as originally written, but something happened during recording the result was the album version. The other new addition is a new song called "Final Six." Coincidentally, Christ Illusion was originally reported as being called Final Six, the name changed, apparently, due to the song not being completed in time to make the release date. The song opens with a moody, slow picked intro with bass and light cymbals backing. Crunchy guitar chords then come into the mix, finally the song explodes in classic Slayer fashion. It reminds me a lot of Seasons era tracks, it is good, Slayer fans will want it but it will not change the minds of non-fans.
In addition to those two tracks, there will be a DVD included in the set. The disk includes a near 6 minute look at their tour supporting the Christ Illusion release. No interviews or any real in depth information to be found. It is backed by music features glimpses of them walking to the stage, playing, lots of fans yelling "Slayer!" and the like. It is fun to watch,but nothing terribly special. There is a live performance of "South of Heaven" which is electrifying. They may have been in the spotlight for over two decades, but they can still throwdown onstage, and this is a good demonstration. Finally, there is the video for "Eyes of the Insane," the track which brought Slayer their first Grammy win. It was directed by Tony Petrossian, an Iranian filmmaker, and it is a truly haunting video. It is the experience of a soldier in Iraq, and all of the images we see are reflected in the eye of the soldier. The entire video is focused on that eye, images timed to the music we see the soldier with his wife and daughter, we follow him through the battleground until he is ultimately injured and goes through surgery just to be sent back to the fight. It is an impressive video clip.
This release is the first in their new relationship with Columbia. The original release of Christ Illusion was on Warner Brothers, but Slayer followed producer Rick Rubin who went to head up Columbia. That union has led to this release. Which I cannot say I recommend to those who have the original release. The tour footage is neat, but mainly filler material without any real substance, the live and music videos are cool as well, especially the "Eyes of the Insane"clip, but again, nothing I could live without. As for the two new tracks? I like the new version of "Black Serenade" and "Final Six" has a cool old school Slayer vibe, but not enough to warrant a rebuy. If, however, you don't have the first release, by all means, pick this one up it is worth your time. It also features new cover art with the classic band logo on top of a severed hand bleeding from a stigmata wound, sure to bring outcry from the religious right (as if the fact it is Slayer wasn't reason enough).
Christ Illusion: Recommended.
Re-Release: Not Recommended.
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