Slayer is widely considered one of the greatest thrash metal bands of all time. Founded in 1981 in Huntington Park, California, the band has released twelve studio albums over the course of their career, earning a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for their aggressive sound and uncompromising attitude. With their signature fast-paced guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and intense vocals, Slayer has become a defining voice in the world of metal, inspiring countless other bands and cementing their place in music history.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the ten best Slayer songs of all time, showcasing the band’s range and versatility and highlighting some of their most powerful and memorable tracks. From classics like “Angel of Death” to newer favorites like “Repentless,” each of these songs represents a different facet of Slayer’s sound and legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the band’s music, these ten tracks are a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the raw power and intensity of metal. So buckle up and get ready to experience the very best of Slayer’s iconic catalog.
1. Angel Of Death
“Angel of Death” is a classic thrash metal track that has become a staple of the genre since its release in 1986. The song features fast-paced guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and aggressive vocals that showcase the band’s raw intensity and musical prowess.
Lyrically, “Angel of Death” explores the horrific atrocities committed during the Holocaust, specifically focusing on the experiments conducted by Nazi physician Josef Mengele at the Auschwitz concentration camp. The lyrics are graphic and confrontational, painting a vivid picture of the brutality and inhumanity of Mengele’s actions.
Despite the controversial subject matter, “Angel of Death” has become one of Slayer’s most popular and enduring tracks, and it is often considered one of the greatest heavy metal songs of all time. Its intense energy, complex instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics continue to captivate audiences and inspire generations of metal fans.
2. Seasons In The Abyss
“Seasons in the Abyss” is a haunting and atmospheric metal track that combines heavy riffs, intricate guitar work, and intense vocals to create a truly unique listening experience. Released in 1990, the song showcases the band’s musical maturity and diversity, as they explore themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the inevitability of death.
The song’s lyrics are poetic and philosophical, painting a vivid picture of the cyclical nature of life and death, and the way in which the seasons seem to reflect this never-ending cycle. Musically, “Seasons in the Abyss” features slower tempos and more intricate arrangements than many of Slayer’s other tracks, giving the song a sense of weight and grandeur that perfectly complements its lyrical themes.
Despite its relatively subdued tone, “Seasons in the Abyss” remains one of Slayer’s most popular and beloved songs, and it is often cited as a highlight of the band’s career. Its combination of musical complexity, emotional depth, and powerful lyrics make it a true masterpiece of the metal genre.
3. Repentless
“Repentless” is a blistering and aggressive metal track that showcases the band’s signature style of thrash metal. Released in 2015, the song features fast-paced riffs, thunderous drumming, and intense vocals that reflect the band’s uncompromising and unapologetic approach to music.
Lyrically, “Repentless” is a call to arms for the metal community, urging listeners to embrace their individuality and reject conformity. The song’s lyrics are confrontational and empowering, challenging listeners to stand up for themselves and fight against oppression and injustice.
Musically, “Repentless” is a tour-de-force of Slayer’s technical prowess, with intricate guitar work and complex arrangements that showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly blend speed, aggression, and melody. The song’s infectious energy and powerful lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in the band’s discography.
Despite the tragic loss of founding member Jeff Hanneman, “Repentless” stands as a testament to Slayer’s enduring legacy and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the metal genre.
4. Raining Blood
“Raining Blood” is a classic thrash metal track that has become an iconic song in the genre since its release in 1986. The song features fast and aggressive riffs, breakneck drumming, and intense vocals that showcase the band’s raw power and technical skill.
Lyrically, “Raining Blood” is a gruesome depiction of the end of the world, with blood raining from the sky and chaos reigning supreme. The song’s lyrics are dark and confrontational, highlighting the band’s fascination with death and destruction.
Musically, “Raining Blood” is a tour-de-force of Slayer’s technical prowess, with lightning-fast guitar solos and complex rhythms that have inspired countless metal bands in the years since its release. The song’s opening riff has become one of the most recognizable in metal history, and its infectious energy and aggressive sound have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Slayer’s live shows.
Despite its controversial subject matter and intense sound, “Raining Blood” remains one of Slayer’s most beloved and enduring tracks, and it continues to inspire new generations of metal fans and musicians alike.
5. Jihad
“Jihad” is a heavy and provocative metal track that was released in 2006 as part of the band’s album “Christ Illusion”. The song’s title is a reference to the Islamic concept of holy war, and the lyrics explore the violent clashes between Islam and the West that have characterized much of modern history.
The song features thunderous drumming, fast-paced riffs, and intense vocals that reflect the band’s signature style of thrash metal. The lyrics are confrontational and unapologetic, highlighting the band’s willingness to tackle controversial subjects and challenge listeners’ assumptions about the world.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Jihad” has become a fan favorite and a standout track in Slayer’s discography, with its powerful sound and thought-provoking lyrics resonating with metal fans around the world. The song’s unflinching look at the complexities of religious conflict and its blistering musical performance make it a true masterpiece of the metal genre.
6. Black Magic
“Black Magic” is a classic thrash metal track that has become an iconic song in the genre since its release in 1983. The song features fast and aggressive guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and intense vocals that showcase the band’s raw energy and technical skill.
Lyrically, “Black Magic” explores themes of the occult, with references to Satanism, witchcraft, and other dark spiritual practices. The song’s lyrics are confrontational and provocative, reflecting the band’s fascination with the darker aspects of human nature.
Musically, “Black Magic” is a tour-de-force of Slayer’s technical prowess, with lightning-fast guitar solos and complex rhythms that have inspired countless metal bands in the years since its release. The song’s infectious energy and aggressive sound have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Slayer’s live shows.
Despite its controversial subject matter and intense sound, “Black Magic” remains one of Slayer’s most beloved and enduring tracks, and it continues to inspire new generations of metal fans and musicians alike.
7. Dead Skin Mask
“Dead Skin Mask” is a haunting and atmospheric metal track that was released in 1990 as part of the band’s album “Seasons in the Abyss”. The song features a slow and ominous guitar riff, subdued drumming, and intense vocals that showcase the band’s ability to create a dark and brooding atmosphere.
Lyrically, “Dead Skin Mask” is based on the true story of serial killer Ed Gein, who inspired a number of horror films and books. The song’s lyrics are disturbing and graphic, with references to Gein’s gruesome crimes and twisted obsessions.
Musically, “Dead Skin Mask” is a departure from Slayer’s typical thrash metal sound, with its slow and deliberate tempo and focus on atmosphere rather than speed and aggression. The song’s haunting melody and unsettling lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in the band’s discography.
Despite its controversial subject matter and departure from the band’s usual sound, “Dead Skin Mask” remains one of Slayer’s most enduring and powerful tracks, showcasing the band’s ability to create a chilling and unforgettable musical experience.
8. Pride In Prejudice
“Pride in Prejudice” is a fast and aggressive metal track that was released in 2015 as part of the band’s album “Repentless”. The song features heavy and complex guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and intense vocals that reflect the band’s signature style of thrash metal.
Lyrically, “Pride in Prejudice” explores themes of hate and intolerance, with the lyrics calling out those who cling to prejudice and bigotry. The song’s lyrics are confrontational and unapologetic, highlighting the band’s willingness to challenge listeners’ assumptions and beliefs.
Musically, “Pride in Prejudice” is a tour-de-force of Slayer’s technical prowess, with lightning-fast guitar solos and complex rhythms that showcase the band’s musicianship and skill. The song’s intense energy and aggressive sound have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in the band’s discography.
Despite its controversial subject matter and intense sound, “Pride in Prejudice” remains a powerful and thought-provoking track that reflects Slayer’s commitment to speaking truth to power and challenging societal norms.
9. World Painted Blood
“World Painted Blood” is a dark and brooding metal track that was released in 2009 as part of the band’s album of the same name. The song features heavy and complex guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and intense vocals that showcase the band’s signature style of thrash metal.
Lyrically, “World Painted Blood” explores themes of apocalyptic destruction and societal collapse, with the lyrics painting a bleak and despairing picture of a world gone mad. The song’s lyrics are confrontational and unflinching, reflecting the band’s willingness to tackle difficult subjects and challenge listeners’ assumptions.
Musically, “World Painted Blood” is a tour-de-force of Slayer’s technical prowess, with intricate guitar solos and complex rhythms that showcase the band’s musicianship and skill. The song’s haunting melody and intense sound have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in the band’s discography.
Despite its dark subject matter and intense sound, “World Painted Blood” remains a powerful and compelling track that reflects Slayer’s willingness to push boundaries and explore the darker aspects of human nature.
10. South Of Heaven
“South of Heaven” is a classic metal track that was released in 1988 as part of the band’s album of the same name. The song features a slower and more deliberate tempo than some of Slayer’s other tracks, with heavy guitar riffs, ominous drumming, and intense vocals that showcase the band’s versatility and skill.
Lyrically, “South of Heaven” explores themes of religion and spirituality, with the lyrics contemplating the nature of good and evil and the possibility of an afterlife. The song’s lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, reflecting the band’s willingness to tackle complex and philosophical subjects.
Musically, “South of Heaven” is a departure from Slayer’s typical thrash metal sound, with its emphasis on melody and atmosphere rather than speed and aggression. The song’s haunting melody and intense sound have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in the band’s discography.
Despite its departure from the band’s usual style, “South of Heaven” remains a powerful and enduring track that showcases Slayer’s ability to create a diverse and compelling musical experience.