Slayer
God Hates Us All
Released 11.09.2001
Slayer are in actual fact the first band I ever saw live when, back in 1995, they somehow appeared on the bill opening for Bon Jovi at Wembley Stadium. Being the twelve year old nascent stadium rock/indie kid I was back then they absolutely terrified me.
Fast forward six years and I’m at college exploring nu metal (oh yes) when an interesting band logo appears in the metal press with a provocative album cover and title which appeals to my rebellious senses.
After listening to the likes of Linkin Park and Coal Chamber (I apologise for nothing) the unsettling disjointed intro of ‘Darkness of Christ’ followed by the furious thunder of ‘Disciple’ was a revelation to these ears, especially with the latter’s glorious chorus refrain of “God Hates Us All!” The album doesn’t let up. It’s forty-five minutes of pure unrelenting hatred with the groove of ‘New Faith’, The menace of Bloodlines, the ferocity of War Zone being especially noteworthy. Interestingly, this album was released on September 11th 2001 which added an unintended depth to the anti-religious vitriol.
Although well received at the time it has since been 'lost' to the “It’s not 80's Slayer so must be rubbish” school of thought most metal heads seem to have acquired, which is completely wrong. Certainly, in my opinion God Hates Us All is the second best album (after Reign In Blood obviously) that Slayer have ever released. The production is huge, the riffs razor sharp. The lyrics are seething with hatred as Araya sounds like he means every word and Bostaph's drumming is immense. I know it’s controversial, but I rate Bostaph over Lomabado as he is far more technical rather than just purely fast.
This album changed my life, and so it was that in 2001 I would return to North London, to Wembley Arena, for a Slayer headline show which I absolutely loved. It was thus that my music destiny and gig addiction was forged.
Mind you, I still love Bon Jovi.
