Note that this is the Metal Blade label with the blood-dripping axe, not the Metal Blade label with the guitar icons
This issue of the "Live Undead" album has the bonus track: "Chemical Warfare"
Thrash Metal
Metal Blade Records RR 9574
Note that this is the Metal Blade label with the blood-dripping axe, not the Metal Blade label with the guitar icons
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1984-1987 Made in Holland
"Live Undead" is the first live extended play by the American thrash metal band Slayer. It was released through Metal Blade Records and recorded in New York City in front of a room of people. It has been questioned by both critics and authors that the audience sound may or may not be faked, however when asked if they were fake, producer Bill Metoyer said, "I don't know if I should tell you." The album begins with an extended introduction of "Black Magic", followed by a small speech. The remaining tracks include both those of 1983's "Show No Mercy" and 1984's "Haunting the Chapel". Ned Raggett of Allmusic gave the album two and a half out of five stars, and noted that it "isn't really necessary except for the hardest of hardcore fans."
The album: "SLAYER Live Undead Axe" was produced by: Bill Metoyer and Slayer.
Bill Metoyer a well-known American music producer and sound engineer who has worked in the heavy metal genre. He has produced and engineered albums for a number of notable heavy metal bands, including Slayer, Armored Saint, and Cryptic Slaughter.
Metoyer is known for his expertise in capturing the raw energy and intensity of heavy metal music, and for his ability to bring out the best in the bands he works with. His work has helped to define the sound of heavy metal and has had a significant impact on the genre.
In addition to his production and engineering work, Metoyer has also been involved in other aspects of the music industry, including music education and artist development. He is highly regarded by musicians and fans alike for his contributions to the heavy metal genre, and continues to be an influential figure in the world of heavy metal music.during the 1980s he was Vice-President and in-house sound-engineer of Metal Blade Records. As such he has produced and taken care of the sound of many Heavy Metal bands. Most notable: Flotsam and Jetsam, Fates Warning, Helstar, Savage Grace, Tyrant, Slayer, Trouble, Sacred Reich, Armored Saint, Atrophy, Abattoir, Bitch, D.R.I, Dark Angel, Cryptic Slaughter, Lääz Rockit, Morbid Angel, Omen, Lizzy Borden, Mentors and many others.
Bill Metoyer
New York City on the Slayer 1984 "Haunting North America Tour" except Chemical Warfare.
Mixed at: Track Record, L.A.
Albert Cueller
Albert Cueller has done the artwork for two album covers of Slayer: "Hell Awaits" and "Live Undead".
Tom Araya , (real-name: Tomás Enrique Araya Díaz), lead vocals, bass guitar player was born in Viña del Mar (1961) and founding member of the American Thrash Metal band "Slayer". Tom Araya has active in Slayer since it's formatin in 1981. Before forming Slayer, Tom Araya was in a band called "Tradewinds".
Dave Lombardo - DrumsDave 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.
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.
Jeff Hanneman (real-name: Jeffrey John Hanneman) was born in Oakland, California in January 1964 and founding member of the American Thrash Metal band: Slayer. He performs with Slayer from 1981 until his death in 2013 due to health issues.
Kerry King (real-name: Kerry Ray King) born in Los Angeles, California, June 1963, Guitarist and co-founder of the American Thrash Metal band Slayer. He has been performing with Slayer since 1981. During 1984 Kerry King performed as a substitute guitarist with the American Speed/Thrash Metal band " Megadeth ".
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 )
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.