Death is June -Looking Back in Anger at Slayer's "World Painted Blood'

 This concludes by diving back into Slayer's discography since I have already reviewed "Repentless" here.  It is their last album with Jeff. Ironic that he wrote more on this one. They went into the studio less prepared, but you can not tell that from the title track that opens the album. It works off both grooves and tension, which shatters my memories of the album being more punk, though that could be said of "Unit 731." It's about Japanese experiments on humans, but the vocals are rushed, making it hard to make out what is being screamed. This formula works better for "Snuff. 

"Beauty Through Order" is a serial killer ballad of sorts about Elizabeth Bathory. But in the vaguest most metaphoric lyrical manner possible. It might be the album's best song. When they get to thrashing, the riff is classic Slayer without being redundant. "Hate Worldwide" is rapid fire as well, but it works for what they do; they do get deliberate with some grooves to break it up in place. The solos are really the silliest part of this album. I read an interview with King where he admitted to not having any of them written, like anyone needs to be told that. It's the frantic, feral, rushed tone they take on "Public Display" that does not work as well for me. At least they bring a more deliberate stomp to "Human Strain," which feels darker. The creepy breakdown midway into the song highlights this, and Tom's sung part works really well. 

"Psychopathy Red" is another full speed ahead rager, but it's more nuanced and thought out while playing off the hardcore punk intensity. There is an interesting tension to "Americon" that breaks from what they normally do, but is still aggressive. This might tie with "Beauty Through Order" as my favorite song, I had forgotten all about this gem. Not my favorite song on the album by far, sounds like they want to replicate something off "Reign in Blood".  "Playing With Dolls" is another serial killer love song, so I, of course, love it. "Not of This God" almost wants to be "Angel of Death". I will give this one a 9, some great songs on here, but they could have focused more on nuance. but showed up unprepared in the studio and made something better than what most bands can do. 

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