It’s been far too long since the last time SLAYER’s name was up in lights above the entrance to a UK venue. The band’s UK shows in recent years have always been either as part of their Unholy Alliance package tour or part of the big festivals such as Download and Reading/Leeds. Tonight though, was a far more intimate affair, and for me, this setting is where thrash metal is at it‘s best. By it’s very nature, thrash should be in your face!

Few bands are as intense as SLAYER, and from the moment new song ‘World Painted Blood’ opened the set, there was little chance to catch your breath. ‘Disciple’ and ‘Payback’ were brutal, and the likes of ‘War Ensemble’ and ‘Expendable Youth’ kept the speed at a relentless full throttle.

Tom Araya’s recent back trouble now means that he’s unable to keep up his ferocious whirlwind style head banging, but fortunately, his angry vocals are as strong as ever, and comrades Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman make up for any lost ground on the head banging front. Those pair aren’t bad on the guitars also, with their signature squealing solos as impressive as ever, even if a little harsh on the ears sometimes.

The setlist was a good mix of old and new, with a good selection of classics to keep most SLAYER fans happy. The highlight of the night though was closing number ‘Angel of Death’, a fierce recollection of the holocaust, which has left Dave Lombardo’s pulsating drums ringing in my ears as I write this review.

SLAYER still reign as one of the most heavy and powerful metal bands on the planet, and tonight’s gig was cast iron proof of that. With a Sonisphere appearance still up their sleeve, SLAYER have once again conquered UK shores.

SLAYER Setlist: World Painted Blood / Hate Worldwide / Cult / Disciple / Expendable Youth / War Ensemble / Jihad / Payback / Beauty Through Order / Seasons In The Abyss / Hell Awaits / Mandatory Suicide / Chemical Warfare / Raining Blood / Aggressive Perfector / South of Heaven / Silent Scream / Angel of Death

Review by James Allman