Slayer is a band that has not been without controversy throughout their illustrious and ongoing metal careers, but this has never slowed the Slaytanic crew down one iota. In fact the controversy has only made them stronger and faster and has put them on top of the metal throne, making them the new metal gods of this era. Having pioneered a new whole generation of metal bands Slayer has been a key influence and inspiration behind most metal bands of today. Known for their break neck speed songs, vividly gruesome lyrics and a psychopathic fan base Slayer is indeed a force to reckon with. Since their humble inception beginning in 1981 found the band steadily attracting a following that supported them and helped them reach the top in 1986 with their stellar album release Reign In Blood.
Reign In Blood is quite possibly one of the best heavy metal albums of all time. It is the prime example that “big things do come in small packages”. A mere 30 minutes in length this album has become a timeless inspiration and classic for all generations of metal heads. As short as this album may be it makes a lasting impressing on anyone who listens to it and D.X. Ferris, an entertainment reporter for Cleveland Scene and Alternative Press, has penned a book that takes this classic and puts it under a microscope to see why and how it became the colossal release it was and is. This small 148 page look at the album documents the process of recording, the controversial signing to an exclusive hip hop label, the choice of Rick Rubin as producer, the choosing of the cover art and a song by song analysis of the record. Ferris does a great job with this book and it was a quick and easy read that was entertaining and even got me itching to dig out my copy and listen to it again.
Slayer’s Reign In Blood is a must read for any Slayer fan or even a metal music lover. I think after reading this short book you will have a newfound or re-newed respect for the bay area metal gods. Do yourself a favor. Go out and buy Slayer’s Reign In Blood CD and pick up a copy of this book as well and enjoy the two simultaneously you will be glad you did.
Reviewed by Jeff Holton
