- Record Label with Original Blood Dripping Axe
Slayer's "Live Undead" LP on Metal Blade with the blood- dripping axe logo captures their live fury. Recorded in NYC (possibly with crowd enhancements), it features early thrash anthems from "Show No Mercy" and "Haunting the Chapel." This pressing includes the bonus track "Chemical Warfare" for a fierce dose of Slayer history.
For die-hard Slayer fans and collectors of thrash metal's early days, the "Live Undead" 12" vinyl LP with the iconic Metal Blade Records blood-dripping axe logo is a prized possession. This isn't your standard Metal Blade pressing with the guitar icons; it's the one true mark of a specific era for the label.
Released in the late 1980s (exact year varies), "Live Undead" captures Slayer's raw energy in a live setting, presumably recorded in front of a rabid New York City crowd. The album's authenticity has been debated, with some questioning whether the audience noise was enhanced or even entirely fabricated. Producer Bill Metoyer adds to the mystery with his coy response of "I don't know if I should tell you."
Regardless of the crowd's legitimacy, the music itself is undeniably Slayer at their ferocious best. The extended intro to "Black Magic" sets the stage for a blistering live onslaught. The tracklist rips through fan favorites from Slayer's first two albums, "Show No Mercy" and "Haunting the Chapel," showcasing the band's early thrash anthems.
This particular pressing adds an extra dose of thrash goodness with the bonus track "Chemical Warfare." This Slayer staple wasn't included on the original release but became a welcome addition for later editions.
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
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".
Slayer - Live Undead Album Cover Art: This striking album cover illustration depicts a chilling nighttime graveyard scene. The dark sky is illuminated by a full moon, casting an eerie blue glow over the desolate landscape filled with tombstones and twisted, leafless trees.
In the foreground, three undead, skeletal figures rise from their graves, resembling members of Slayer in their monstrous zombie forms. Their faces are decayed and hollow, with ghastly grins and empty, dark eye sockets.
The figure on the left clutches a black electric guitar, his skeletal fingers wrapped around the fretboard. He wears a tattered leather vest and torn jeans, his long, wild hair blowing in the night breeze. The center figure is the most menacing—emerging from the earth with claw-like hands, hunched forward, seemingly crawling out of his grave. The rightmost figure, also holding a guitar, wears a bullet belt and shredded clothing, with blood splatters adding to the gruesome aesthetic.
The band's name, SLAYER, is displayed in its signature bold, red angular font at the top left corner. Just beside it, the album title, LIVE UNDEAD, is smeared in dripping blood-red letters, enhancing the macabre horror theme.
At the bottom right, a gravestone bears the Slayer logo in blood, reinforcing the concept of the band's music awakening the dead. The entire composition captures the intensity, aggression, and horror themes that define Slayer's thrash metal legacy.
Slayer - Live Undead Back Cover: The back cover of Slayer's Live Undead album features a striking layout combining bold typography with a powerful live concert photograph.
At the top, the tracklist is split into two sections, representing Side 1 and Side 2 of the vinyl. The song titles are written in a mix of white and red capital letters, with the numbers "1" and "2" in large, bold red font. A note in parentheses indicates that Chemical Warfare is a studio recording, differentiating it from the other live tracks.
Below the tracklist, a dramatic live photo captures Slayer on stage. The stage lighting casts an intense red-orange glow over the band members. Tom Araya (center) is seen raising his hand in a devil horns gesture while gripping his bass. To his left, Jeff Hanneman plays lead guitar, his blonde hair illuminated by the lights. On the right, Kerry King, also on lead guitar, appears focused. In the background, Dave Lombardo is behind the drum kit, partially obscured by the lighting effects.
Production credits are listed below the photo in white text, crediting Bill Metoyer and Slayer as producers, with mixing at Track Record, L.A. and cover art by Albert Cueller. A statement confirms that the album was recorded live in New York City during Slayer's 1984 Haunting North America tour, with the exception of Chemical Warfare, which was recorded separately in a studio.
The bottom right corner features the Metal Blade Records logo, reinforcing the album’s association with the iconic metal label.
Slayer - Live Undead Vinyl Record Label (Side 1): This close-up image showcases the original Metal Blade Records label for Side 1 of Slayer's Live Undead LP, a rare edition distinguished by the iconic blood-dripping axe logo at the top.
The label has a white background with black text and features a bold, stylized illustration of a double-headed battle axe. The axe is positioned diagonally, with detailed engravings on its blade and handle. Red blood droplets are seen dripping from the blade, reinforcing the brutal aesthetic associated with Slayer and the Metal Blade label.
Beneath the logo, "METAL BLADE RECORDS" is printed in bold, capital letters. To the left, the side designation reads SIDE 1, along with "STEMRA" (indicating Dutch rights society affiliation). The catalog number RR 9574 is printed on the right, alongside "STEREO" and the playback speed of 33rpm.
The tracklist for Side 1 is centered and consists of four songs:
1. Black Magic (4:06)
2. Die by the Sword (3:52)
3. Captor of Sin** (3:34)
4. The Antichrist (3:15)
At the bottom, songwriting credits note that all tracks were written by Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. The text confirms that the songs were published by Bloody Skull Music and Amgine Music, with rights managed by Bug Music. Copyright information references 1983, 1984, and 1987 Metal Blade Records, emphasizing different production dates for the live recordings and later reissues.
A fine-print red border encircles the outer edge of the label, stating copyright restrictions on unauthorized copying, lending, and broadcasting. The text at the very bottom confirms that the record was Made in Holland, solidifying its identity as a rare European pressing.
"Black Serenade" is not an official Slayer album. Released in Germany, it compiles various bonus tracks and B-sides, likely sourced from singles and EPs. While the vinyl itself might be a collector's item
Black Serenade 12" Vinyl LP
Slayer’s Christ Illusion (2006) marked the return of drummer Dave Lombardo and showcased the band’s aggressive thrash sound. Featuring Grammy-winning tracks ‘Eyes of the Insane’ and ‘Final Six,’ the album’s controversial Larry Carroll artwork and themes of war and religion cement it as a standout in Slayer’s legendary discography.
Christ Illusion 12" Vinyl LP
One of the standout features on "Diabolus in Musica" is the songwriting contributions of guitarist Jeff Hanneman. Known for his powerful riffs and dark lyrical themes, Hanneman's influence is palpable throughout the record.
Diabolus in Musica 12" Vinyl LP
"Eyes of the Insane" is the 2006 single by Slayer, taken from their 2006 album Christ Illusion. The lyrics explore an American soldier's mental anguish following his return home from the second Gulf War
Eyes of the insane (Red Vinyl) 7" Vinyl Single
The album opens with the track "Darkness of Christ," which features a sample from a speech by actress Gina Gershon in the film "Bound." This sample sets the stage for the rest of the album, as it is a chilling and ominous
God Hates Us All 12" Vinyl LP
Slayer's 1984 EP "Haunting the Chapel" showcased their evolving thrash metal sound. Despite sharing the same haunting cover as the US release, the Canadian Banzai 12" Vinyl LP edition holds collector's appeal
SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (1984, Canada) SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel (1984, USA)
Released in 1985, "Hell Awaits" was the sophomore album from Slayer, following their debut opus, "Show No Mercy." It marked a significant evolution in their sound, as they delved deeper into the dark and macabre territories
Hell Awaits 12" Vinyl LP
Slayer's "Live in Montreux - 2002" captures their fiery 2002 performance at the Swiss Jazz Festival. This double LP unleashes thrash anthems like "Raining Blood" and "Angel of Death" on hot wax,
Live in Montreux 2002 12" Vinyl 2LP
This reissue includes the bone-crushing bonus track "Chemical Warfare," a studio scorcher that complements the raw energy of the live recordings.
SLAYER - Live Undead ( Record Label with Blood Dripping AXE ) SLAYER - Live Undead (Record Label with Red Guitar)
Calling all thrash maniacs and Slayer disciples! A sonic assault from the band's early days is back for a limited pressing on stunning blue vinyl. "Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel" combines the raw energy of Slayer's
Live Undead / Haunting the Chapel Ltd Ed Blue 12" Vinyl LP
Slayer’s Reign in Blood (1986) is a thrash metal masterpiece renowned for its relentless speed and aggression. Featuring iconic tracks like ‘Angel of Death’ and ‘Raining Blood,’ the album set a new standard for the genre. Its dark themes and technical brilliance earned critical acclaim, making it a landmark release in heavy metal history and a pivotal influence on countless bands.
Reign in Blood 12" Vinyl LP
This album Seasons in the Abyss is the fifth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. It was released on 9 October 1990, through Def American Records, and later through American Recordings
Seasons in the Abyss 12" Vinyl LP
"Show No Mercy" Three different versions of coloured vinyl, originally released in December 1983. Brian Slagel signed the band to Metal Blade after watching the band perform the song "Phantom of the Opera" by Iron Maiden.
SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Black Vinyl, Netherlands) SLAYER - Show No Mercy (Grey Vinyl, UK SLAYER - Show No Mercy (White Vinyl, UK)
Slayer’s South of Heaven (1988) marks a turning point in their discography, introducing a slower, more atmospheric approach while retaining their trademark aggression. The album showcases tracks like ‘Mandatory Suicide’ and the title track, which became live staples. This release pushed the boundaries of thrash metal, cementing Slayer’s reputation as one of the genre’s most innovative and influential bands.
South of Heaven 12" Vinyl LP