Join us in the mosh pit with these thrash metal pioneers.
Welcome to Watchmojo.com and today we're counting down our picks for the top 10
Slayer songs.
For this list we've chosen our entries based on a combination of the bands fan
favorites and the most commercially successful songs.
Number 10
Chemical Warfare
Just from that opening rip, the listener is already being set up for some damage.
Chemical Warfare is about war, and the use of modern tactics that rely on
chemicals to eradicate opposing soldier.
Fast and aggressive this Slayer track pounds on to the beat of the proverbial
and literal drunk.
Originally released as part of their first EP, the thrash metal number was so
popular, it was added as a bonus track to the reissue of their first album Show No Mercy.
Number 9
Black Magic
The slow rising intro builds up into this killer memorable track, from Slayers
debut fooling.
Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman shred through this song with memorable riffs
and dazzling solos.
As Dave Lombardo power drumming and Tom Araya is haunting vocals, blend with the
wicked themes of satanic rituals and possession.
The band in evil harmony is capable of producing the same fear in the listener,
that the narrator experiences as demons pull him down to the depths of hell.
Number 8
Dead Skin Mask
Serial killers are a common theme for these metal giants, as the perverse acts
performed by these disturbed lines brought chills from anyone who listens
to the stories.
Dead Skin Mask is a song about famed maniac head game, that succeeds in doing
just that.
From the opening twisted whispers of a deranged killer to the chill inducing
cries of children begging to be let out, this track plays out like a real-life
Horror Story.
Number 7
Disciple
If ever there was a song that represents pure chaos it's this one.
Drugs, whore, murder you name it.
Disciple relates the evil nature of human kind and how God surely must hate
us for being such wretched creations.
Singer Tom Araya roars away as Kerry King's twisted screeching guitar play
fills our ears.
Despite the impurity being churned out, disciple serves as a sort of catharsis
cleansing all the negativity and just letting the listener go fuck away.
Number 6
Hell Awaits
The top story telling is a Slayer staple, and with brutal yet quality musicianship
present throughout the title cut of their sophomore effort.
The listener can certainly feel the coming of hell and all the evil it holds.
Fast and fierce is a theme in Hell Awaits.
Guitars and drums Blair swiftly as the lyrics are almost incomprehensible with
the vicious velocity at which the singer use them.
And, let's not forget about the demonic voice that echoes along with it all.
Number 5
South of Heaven
It's safe to say that the members of Slayer aren't known for being the
politically correct type, and they call things as they see them.
Much is the same for this 5-minute track serving as an exaggeration of the
immorality found in today's society, which they believe lacks ethical integrity.
It's less about a coming Apocalypse and more about how far self from heaven the
earth and its miserable inhabitants have gone.
As is usual for a Slayer song there are some crazy riffs and solos glory.
Number 4
War Ensemble
One of the most iconic moments in the band's vast catalogue of songs, occurs
when singer Tom Araya blast a single word that echoes in your soul "war".
As fierce and aggressive as it may be War Ensemble is still mocking the sport
he should support, the act of men killing each other.
After all, it's about how many people you can kill.
From the technical side of things inspiring and inventive drumming
complements the thrashing solos and blistering guitars.
Number 3
Seasons in the Abyss
The title track of their Seasons in the Abyss album, starts off at a slow down
tempo and pace gradually builds tension and culminates in pure thrashing power.
With blazing solos, brutal drumming, and chilling vocals, Slayer guides us on a
morose walk to insanity.
The album's longest song, is also their most deranged and that's saying
something.
Intricate and overpowering, the six and a half minute track conjures up pictures
of serial killers, savageness, murder and darkness.
Into the abyss we go.
Number 2
Angel of Death
Based on the Nazi physician Josef Mengele and his whole riff experiments
Angel of Death is a thrash metal masterpiece that offers fast and filthy
musicality, that is also stirred controversy.
After being labeled Nazi sympathizers, the band refuted these claims
noting how the song's lyrics do not glorify any act, but simply relate these
horrible crimes as a World War II documentary would.
Whatever the case Reign in Blood opener is still played at every show they
perform, and the fans still love it.
Before we reveal our number one Slayer song,
here are some honorable mentions.
Number 1
Raining Blood
Thunder is heard, from beats slowly, chills run up and down our spine as hell
is unleashed with this tracks devilish opening riff that leads to furious
guitar thrashing.
Quietly considered one of the greatest heavy-metal songs of all time.
Raining Blood takes the listener through a satanic wet dream, as we literally hear
the sky tearing up and the blood pouring on are banging head.
Slayer does indeed "Reign in Blood".
Do you agree with our list? Which Slayer songs cause you to headbang the most?
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