Slayer – World Painted Blood – 2009

World Painted Blood is Slayer’s eleventh studio album. Music-wise, it is a direct continuation of the previous album, Christ Illusion. Dave Lombardo has never been better behind the drum kit; I really love his drumming on World Painted Blood. But of course, even if the drums are very important on Slayer’s albums, there are other ingredients that must be fulfilled. 

World Painted Blood is more dynamic-sounding than anything released from the band in a long time. There are nuances in Tom Araya’s vocals. It’s not just head-on and full throttle all the time. Neither is that the case with the guitars. It started on Christ Illusion, but the familiar riffs and harmonies continue on World Painted Blood. It’s finally starting to sound like Slayer again. 

It’s also the most equal record when it comes to writing credits, I think. Now, I haven’t exactly counted, but it seems like Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King have written about an equal number of songs. There are a couple of collaborations, and Tom Arays has contributed some lyrics as well. I donät have any particular favorites. It lacks “hits” just like the predecessor, Christ Illusion, but is very good overall. And I think it’s basically me that cannot embrace any new songs, rather than the band not being able to write them.

Comparing World Painted Blood to Christ Illusion, I think they’re both pretty equal. The production of World Painted Blood is bette,r though. It’s heavier and more detailed in the sound, which I like. So if I were to compare the two albums. World Painted Blood would win on a technicality. It was also the last album to Feature Jeff Hanneman before his death in 2013. But Kerry King stated by some point that he recorded all the guitars on the records “för years” so who knows. Recently he also claimed to have recorded the bass parts. I have no idea. At least I’m certain that the vocals are handled by Tom Araya!