SLAYER - Christ Illusion - Uncensored 12" Vinyl LP Album

  Uncensored album cover

  Depicting a mutilated Christ painted by longtime collaborator Larry Carroll , the album's graphic artwork courted controversy. An alternative cover was issued to conservative retailers who felt uncomfortable with the original

  Christ Illusion includes the Grammy Award-winning songs "Eyes of the Insane" and "Final Six", and is the band's first studio album to feature original drummer Dave Lombardo since 1990's Seasons in the Abyss.

High Resolution Photo #1 SLAYER Christ Illusion  

Album Description:

The Slayer band, formed in 1981, is one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history, and their music has been acclaimed as some of the most intense and aggressive in the genre. Slayer has released many albums in their long career, and one of their most important albums is the 2006 release of the "Christ Illusion" LP.

The "Christ Illusion" album was released in 2006, and it marked the return of drummer Dave Lombardo, who had left the band in 1992. The album was produced by Josh Abraham and Rick Rubin, and it was released by American Recordings and Warner Bros. The album includes 10 tracks and features the classic Slayer sound, with fast-paced riffs, aggressive drumming, and dark and violent lyrics.

The "Christ Illusion" album opens with the track "Flesh Storm", a fast and aggressive song that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The second track, "Catalyst", features a more melodic and slower tempo, with haunting guitar riffs and a powerful chorus. Other tracks on the album include "Eyes of the Insane", which won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2007, and "Jihad", which sparked controversy due to its lyrics.

The album's cover art features a depiction of a skeleton wearing a crown of thorns, holding a book with the words "Christ Illusion" written on it. The artwork was designed by Larry Carroll, and it reflects the album's theme of the corruption of religion and the violence of humanity.

The "Christ Illusion" album is significant in the history of heavy metal for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the return of Dave Lombardo to the band, and his drumming is a highlight of the album. Secondly, the album features the classic Slayer sound, with fast and aggressive guitar riffs, intense drumming, and dark and violent lyrics. Lastly, the album's controversial lyrics and artwork sparked discussion and debate, which helped to raise awareness of the band and their music.

Music Genre:

  Speed Thrash Metal 
Album 
Production information:

The album: "Slayer Christ Illusion" was produced by: Josh Abraham

Rick Rubin - Executive Producer

Rick Rubin, born Fredrick Jay Rubin on 10 March 1963, is a renowned American music producer, record label executive, and entrepreneur. He is widely recognized for his immense contributions to the music industry, particularly in the genre of thrash metal. Rubin's innovative production techniques and keen ear for sound have shaped the careers of numerous legendary artists, including Danzig, Metallica, and Slayer.

Born in Long Beach, New York, Rubin developed a deep passion for music from a young age. Growing up in a diverse cultural environment, he was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, which greatly influenced his later work. In his teenage years, Rubin immersed himself in the vibrant New York punk rock scene, attending shows and embracing the rebellious spirit of the movement.

Rubin's foray into the music industry began in the early 1980s when he co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons. The label quickly gained prominence and became one of the most influential hip-hop imprints of its time. Rubin's keen ability to recognize emerging talent led him to work with iconic rap acts such as Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Beastie Boys, among others. His production style, characterized by stripped-down beats and minimalist arrangements, revolutionized the hip-hop genre and earned him widespread acclaim.

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In the mid-1980s, Rubin's diverse musical tastes led him to explore the realms of heavy metal and hard rock. He founded Def American Recordings (later renamed American Recordings) as an avenue to work with artists from these genres. It was during this time that Rubin forged a partnership with thrash metal giants such as Danzig, Metallica, and Slayer.

Rubin's work with Danzig resulted in the band's self-titled debut album in 1988, which showcased their raw energy and gothic sensibilities. His production brought a clarity and intensity to their sound, solidifying their position as one of the pioneering acts of dark, heavy music.

His collaboration with Metallica on their critically acclaimed fifth studio album, "Metallica" (commonly known as "The Black Album"), is regarded as one of his most significant achievements. Released in 1991, the album showcased a more accessible sound while retaining the band's heavy roots. Rubin's guidance in songwriting and production helped Metallica achieve commercial success while maintaining their artistic integrity.

Rubin's involvement with Slayer began in 1986 when he produced their landmark album, "Reign in Blood". The record, known for its breakneck speed and intense lyrical themes, is often regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. Rubin continued to collaborate with Slayer on subsequent albums, including "South of Heaven" (1988) and "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990), solidifying his status as a go-to producer for the band.

Throughout his career, Rubin's production style has been marked by his ability to capture the essence and raw power of the artists he works with. His minimalist approach, combined with a relentless pursuit of sonic perfection, has garnered him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.

Beyond his work in thrash metal, Rick Rubin has collaborated with artists from a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, country, and folk. Some of his notable collaborations include projects with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Adele, and Kanye West, among many others.

Rick Rubin's influence on the music industry extends far beyond his role as a producer. His entrepreneurial ventures, such as the co-founding of Def Jam Recordings and his involvement with American Recordings, have left an indelible mark on the business side of music. Rubin's career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to artistic integrity and his innate ability to shape and redefine genres.

Dave Lombardo (Full-name: David Vincent Lombardo) is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of heavy metal music. Known for his lightning-fast double bass drumming, complex rhythms, and innovative playing style, Lombardo has had a profound impact on the genre, influencing countless drummers and bands over the course of his career.

 Lombardo was born in Havana, Cuba in 1965, but his family moved to Los Angeles when he was just two years old. He began playing drums at a young age and quickly developed a love for heavy metal music, citing bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden as early influences. In the early 1980s, Lombardo co-founded the thrash metal band Slayer along with guitarist Kerry King and vocalist/bassist Tom Araya.

 With Lombardo on drums, Slayer quickly became one of the most influential and successful bands in the thrash metal scene. Their 1986 album "Reign in Blood" is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time, featuring Lombardo's lightning-fast drumming and complex rhythms on tracks like "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood." Lombardo's playing on "Reign in Blood" set a new standard for thrash metal drumming and helped cement Slayer's place in heavy metal history.

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 Lombardo's playing continued to evolve over the years, and he became known for his technical skill, complex rhythms, and ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music. In addition to his work with Slayer, Lombardo has played with a wide range of other artists, including Testament, Fantômas, Grip Inc., and Suicidal Tendencies. He has also collaborated with musicians outside of the heavy metal genre, including avant-garde jazz saxophonist John Zorn.

 One of Lombardo's most notable collaborations was with guitarist Mike Patton in the experimental supergroup Fantômas. The band's music was a fusion of heavy metal, avant-garde jazz, and noise rock, and Lombardo's playing was a key component of their sound. His ability to seamlessly transition between different time signatures and rhythms was especially evident in Fantômas' music, and his technical proficiency on the drums was a perfect complement to Patton's experimental vocals.

 Despite his numerous accomplishments, Lombardo has remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He has been praised by fans, fellow musicians, and critics alike for his technical skill, innovation, and contributions to heavy metal music. In recognition of his achievements, Lombardo was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016.

Record Label:  Warner Bros Abstract Recordings

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 300 gram  

Year and Country:

  2006 Made in USA  
Track Listing of: "Slayer Christ Illusion"

The Songs/tracks on "Slayer Christ Illusion" are

  • Flesh Storm (Kerry King) - 4:16
  • Catalyst (King) - 3:09
  • Skeleton Christ (King) - 4:22
  • Eyes of the Insane (Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya) - 3:24
  • Jihad (Hanneman, Araya) - 3:32
  • Consfearacy (King) - 3:09
  • Catatonic (King) - 4:56
  • Black Serenade (Hanneman, Araya) - 3:18
  • Cult (King) - 4:42
  • Supremist (King) - 3:51
Album cover photos of : Slayer Christ Illusion Red Vinyl
High Resolution Photo #1 SLAYER Christ Illusion  
Photo of "Slayer Christ Illusion" Album's Inner Cover  

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High Resolution Photo #3 SLAYER Christ Illusion  

Photo of "Slayer Christ Illusion" Album's Inner Cover  
High Resolution Photo #4 SLAYER Christ Illusion  
Photo of "Slayer Christ Illusion" 12" LP Record
High Resolution Photo #5 SLAYER Christ Illusion  
Close-up Photo of "Slayer Christ Illusion" Record Label 
High Resolution Photo #6 SLAYER Christ Illusion  
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Slayer: The Thrash Metal Pioneers and Controversial Legends of Heavy Music

SLAYER Band Description:

The Band Members

The original lineup consisted of Tom Araya on vocals and bass, Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman on guitars, and Dave Lombardo on drums. Lombardo left the band several times throughout their career, with Paul Bostaph and Jon Dette filling in on drums for various periods. Gary Holt of Exodus also filled in for Hanneman after his death in 2013.

The Music

Slayer's music is often characterized by fast, aggressive riffs, double bass drumming, and Araya's distinctive vocal style. The band has released twelve studio albums, with their most successful being "Reign in Blood" (1986), which is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. Other notable albums include "South of Heaven" (1988), "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990), and "God Hates Us All" (2001).

The Controversy

Slayer has often courted controversy throughout their career due to their use of violent and graphic imagery, as well as their exploration of taboo subjects. The band has been accused of promoting Satanism and encouraging violence, leading to protests and calls for boycotts. In particular, their 1985 album "Hell Awaits" was the subject of much controversy due to its Satanic themes and cover art, which depicted a Hellish landscape with demonic creatures.

The Legacy

Despite the controversy, Slayer's influence on the metal genre cannot be denied. The band has been credited with helping to create and popularize thrash metal, alongside bands like Metallica and Megadeth. Their music has influenced countless metal bands that have followed in their wake, with their aggressive riffs and fast-paced drumming becoming hallmarks of the thrash metal sound. The band's high-energy live performances have also become legendary, with fans often describing them as some of the most intense and memorable shows they have ever seen.

The End of an Era

In 2018, Slayer announced that they would be embarking on a final world tour, bringing an end to their legendary career. The tour, dubbed "The Final Campaign", was intended to give fans a chance to see the band one last time before they called it quits. The tour concluded in November 2019 with a final show in Los Angeles, marking the end of an era for thrash metal fans worldwide.

The Conclusion

Slayer's impact on the metal genre is immeasurable. The band's aggressive music and controversial themes have made them a lightning rod for criticism and debate, but their influence on the thrash metal sound is undeniable. With their final tour now completed, Slayer has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal, and their legacy will continue to inspire and influence metal fans for generations to come.