 |
|
Band Name: Slayer
Album Name: Christ Illusion (limited edition)
Rating: 4 / 5 User Rating: 4 / 5
Label: Columbia Records
Buy Album: Amazon.com
Rate Album: Rate
|
Tracklist
Disc: 1
1. Flesh Storm
2. Catalyst
3. Skeleton Christ
4. Eyes Of The Insane
5. Jihad
6. Consfearacy
7. Catatonic
8. Black Serenade
9. Cult
10. Supremist
11. Final Six
Disc: 2
1. Slayer On Tour '07; Jihad\ Consfearacy (video content)
2. Eyes Of The Insane (video content)
3. South Of Heaven (from the Upcoming Unholy Alliance DVD)
|
No metal fans are quite like Slayer fans. Slayer fans are out for blood, pure and simple. They hold the group up to high standards and expect them to always come through, which each and every release. Apart from “South Of Heaven,” no Slayer record had ever been anticipated by fans as much as last year's “Christ Illusion.” With drummer Dave Lombardo returning to the fold, both fans and critics alike ratcheted up the anticipation level for this release, firmly expecting, if not demanding an album as gigantic as the band's blood-splattered, religion-bashing calling card, “Reign In Blood.”
All hype aside, as much fans wanted another “Reign In Blood,” it's idealistic to expect the group to surpass perfection. This album was released to mixed reviews on behalf of the metal community and for that, we have to blame our own unrealistic expectations. “Christ Illusion” kills most metal releases out there today and if Slayer had never written “Reign In Blood,” everyone would be foaming at the mouth to call this effort a metal benchmark.
On this expanded edition, fans are treated to “Final Six,” a strong track that should have been on the record to begin with, but was left off as it was unfinished at the time of release. This cut is classic Slayer and makes for one of the best songs on the record, along with “Jihad” and “Catatonic.” The retooling of “Black Serenade” is largely unnoticeable. Lombardo's drumming is more prominent and the song has been shortened a bit, as well. There's a bit more of an evil atmosphere in the mix, something the band's followers won't argue about one bit. A second completely unreleased track would have been preferable.
On the companion DVD, you'll find two highlights, a strong performance of “South Of Heaven,” as well as a video clip for the track “Eyes Of The Insane.” If you haven't seen this video by this time, it's one of the most creative clips produced by a metal act as of late. Directed by Iranian filmmaker Tony Petrossian, we get an “up close look” at the horrors of war, with scenes of battle unfolding from the pupils of various eyes. In terms of creativity, this is the best video Slayer has pulled off yet and is essential viewing for any rabid Slayer follower.
A further upgrade comes in the album's packaging, featuring new cover art that fits the theme of the record perhaps better than the original, abstract cover.
Metalheads generally balk at the idea of a re-release, especially one that's released so soon after the original album. It's hard to see everyone rushing to the store to pick this up just one year later, but when you're perusing the racks at your favorite record store, this is the version you're likely to come across. If you haven't picked up “Christ Illusion” already, you're probably not a real Slayer fan to begin with. Nevertheless, the changes made enhance the overall experience of “Christ Illusion” enough to call this version the definitive version of the record.
Review by: E.F.
Read Member Reviews
|
