Slayer - Christ Illusion

Slayer's first release in 5 years and the first in over 15 with the original lineup will satisfy the band's fan base.

Great bands like Slayer have an uphill battle every time they release a new CD. When you've released one of the best albums in metal history, even though it was 20 years ago, expectations are always unbelievably high. And in Slayer's case those lofty expectations went up another level because of the reunion of the band's four original members for the first time since 1990's Seasons In The Abyss.

From the first note of "Flesh Storm" it's crystal clear Slayer has not mellowed with age. All of the anger and aggression you've come to expect is there in spades. The return of drummer Dave Lombardo gives the songs an additional blast of adrenaline. His skill simply makes the whole band better.

As always, Slayer's lyrics will be seen by some as controversial. The most notable is "Jihad," which takes the point of view of a terrorist. The rest of the songs address politics, war, religion and death. Tom Araya's voice isn't quite as strong as it used to be, but he can still scream his point across.

This is the best album Slayer's done in a while. They are a band that has remained true to their original sound over the years, and the bottom line is that Slayer fans will eat this up, and those who are ambivalent about the band won't be converted by this CD.