Note: Christ Illusion is a reunion of the original Slayer lineup. Drummer Dave Lombardo returns to record his first studio album with the band since 1990’s Seasons in the Abyss.
Also Note: This is the first Slayer studio album since 2001’s God Hates Us All.
Sound: Bruising rhythms, blistering guitars and Tom Araya’s signature evil snarl. No one does terrifying heaviness like the originators and masters of the genre.
Lyrics: They’ve always had their anti-war, anti-religion, pro-Satan stance, and it’s often over the top and borderline goofy. However, their detailing of the horrors of the world’s current wars and indictment of leaders, soldiers and terrorists for invoking violence in the name of religion is pretty poignant considering the hostile and probably unfixable state of the Middle East.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Flesh Storm“; “Cult“; “Eyes of the Insane“
Medium Rotation tracks: “Jihad“; “Skeleton Christ“
Recommended: Christ Illusion strays very little from the classic Slayer sound, which both casual and die-hard fans should find very satisfying. Also, political and controversial lyric enthusiasts have plenty to ponder with the band’s view of today’s highly unstable world.
Grade: B+