2015 is no doubt a different picture for all of us to have imagined but for a band as archetypal in the machinations of the metal world as Slayer it represents a significant point in their career. Having tragically lost previous member Jeff Hanneman the future was uncertain, bouncing back this year releasing their highly anticipated album Repentless the band have been back at it. Now thirty years on how exactly do they compare…
[date]30th November 2015[/date]
[venue]Brixton Academy[/venue]
[city]London, Brixton[/city]
[support_bands]Kvelertak, Anthrax[/support_bands]
Before we enter the frownathon that is a Slayer show however we have the small matter of our support acts. In today’s increasingly tough market it seems that shows have begun to be package deals. Originally skeptical about Kvelertak’s involvement on the tour I was quickly reprimanded by the band’s fierce performance tonight. Arriving on stage wearing an owl, yes you read that correctly, front man Erlend is animalistic and the perfect compare for the band’s boozy Black Metal rumpus. Barraging through cuts form their self titled debut the crowd, for a Slayer show seem to be surpsingly open minded!
Increasing the pace as each song seems to be better than the last, with cuts from “Braune Brenn” to the essential “Ulvetid” the band get the crowd pumping and those heads banging. Their Black Metal come rock ‘n’ roll see’s temperatures remain comfortable instead of bringing the thermometer to Trve Kvlt levels. Though perhaps the band aren’t quite used to having such a big stage with some of the members being slightly reticent. Nevertheless once we get to grit of “Blodtorst” and those beautiful harmonies sing their way throughout our hallowed halls their worries are soon disparaged. It might be the fact that the band are used to more of a close quarters feel than the alien lands of bigger venues. Whatever the case Kvelertak are absolutely on the money tonight regardless of venue deliver their unique brand of Black ‘N’ Roll with confidence and from the roar of approval as they finish their set with “Kvelertak” frontman going into Dickinson mode carrying a flag they have indeed made their mark tonight.
Exiting the stage post haste due to the incredibly quick change over its time for the young whippersnappers to receive an education in Metal. As the the house lights a cut a gargantuan chant of Anthrax!!! Engulfs the Academy, as Scott Ian and co enter the stage. Kicking things off with the Among The Living classic “Caught In A Mosh” the band seem to be fairly static, until our ballistic ball of energy Belladonna bursts onto the stage bringing a huge smile to the face of not only yours truly but the entire Brixton crowd. Set to release their brand new album For All Kings in 2016 the band are more than alive, blazing through the classics of “Got The Time” and even newer banger “Fight ‘Em Till You Can’t No More“.
Having been in the game for as long as our headliners tonight the band are completely at home on a stage this size. Scott Ian triumphantly pounding out signature riff after riff, whilst our Belladonna points high, looks low and runs all over working the crowd only the way a veteran could. New blood Jonathan Donais showcases his first written effort with the band as they perform the brand new single “Evil Twin” going down an absolute treat here tonight. However the fun does become slightly more poignant when the backdrop is changed to Dio as Brixton salute the hero wit the now iconic Metal sign.
Paying tribute to the late legend with their Worship Music track “In The End” the band bring a sense of solemnity to the Academy, quickly dashed as they launch back into their classic “Indians” material seeing almost everyone in the Academy screaming out the words. Culminating in the grand finale of “Among The Living” Anthrax retain their pride now more than thirty years into the game many bands would have perhaps faltered but by their absolutely phenomenal set tonight and with the band set to release a brand new album this could be one of their strongest points of their career. As the Brixton collective smile for that all important post show photo we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Smiles quickly dashed as the tone becomes sombre. As the all imposing white cloth suddenly brandishes the unmistakable Slayer emblem. The air is palpable with excitement for one of the biggest and seemingly immovable bands in Metal the future has been uncertain since their tragic line up change, however when the dread filled “Delusions of Saviour” echoes and the four ominous figures walk forward to have the veil ripped from them as title track “Repentless” begins it would seem that they’re right back in the Devil’s driving seat.
Instantly barreling into classic anthem “Postmortem” Araya’s vocals return to their bloody roots. With the frontman’s imposing stature the perfect spokesperson for all that is evil tonight the band are on absolutely top form. The stage, adorned with inverted crosses works perfectly for the band with their absolutely phenomenal backdrop of Repentless’ striking album artwork. Putting feet in all of the graves the band the band return to the time of God Hates Us All with the double barrelled “Disciple” and “God Send Death” hearing the howl of “God hates us all” that see’s christians ears burning the world over.
Having underwhelmed me slightly when the record was released performed live “Take Control” stakes it’s claim to be up there with the band’s near faultless material. “When The Stillness Comes” begins with the rapture conjuring clean section from King that has all the hairs of our napes stand finishing with the incredible final riff see’s all of Brixton banging their bloodsoaked heads. Perhaps I was indeed wrong, played live with conviction the new tracks have since made me fall in love with the new album. Of course however you can’t beat the classics as “Mandatory Suicide“s unmistakable leads ring out or the ghoulish “Dead Skin Mask” as the diminished chords begin their descent into the depths of madness before spearheading into the finale of “South of Heaven“, “Raining Blood” and still remaining one of the most important sermons in Metal’s unholy bible “Angel of Death“.
Previously Slayer’s impenetrable live armour had in fact been chinked. Performing for the first time without Hanneman (RIP) the future was uncertain for the band. Now having released their Repentless record and attaining a rock solid line up of Gary Holt and Paul Bostaph the new era of Slayer has arrived. Unleashing hell temporarily tonight in Brixton the band are still just as vital to Metal as they always have been.
