SLAYER - Show No Mercy- Grey Colour 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Discover the raw power origins of thrash metal with history production stories band lineup tracks and rare photos

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This grey-vinyl reissue of Show No Mercy isn’t nostalgia, it’s a raw bloodletting pressed in plastic. Slayer’s debut still sounds like four kids from L.A. summoning demons with pawnshop gear and caffeinated spite, flipping the bird at glam’s lacquered sheen. The riffs snarl, Lombardo’s drums race like a panic attack, Araya bellows like a street-corner prophet gone mad. It’s sloppy, feral, unholy—and that’s the charm. On grey wax, it looks like the ashes of the 1983 apocalypse, a reminder that sometimes music isn’t about polish but about ripping your guts out and hurling them at the sky.

The imperfections on the photos below are caused by the photo camera's flash-light reflecting on the shrink wrap sleeve-

Slayer’s “Show No Mercy” Reissue on Grey Vinyl: A Raw Revival Album Description:

Step into the cold glare of eternity where the first raw roar of Slayer is pressed anew—this time onto ominous grey vinyl, evoking the eerie tone of its grim content. This reissue, stripped of collector-side storytelling, stands as a visceral portal to late 1983—an explosive moment when thrash metal carved itself into history.

1. Historical & Musical Landscape, 1983

1983 was a year of seismic shifts. The world saw technological breakthroughs like the ARPANET migrating to TCP/IP—ushering in the early Internet—while pop culture produced epic films like Return of the Jedi and the music world bristled with new intensity. In that crucible, thrash metal emerged as a defiant rebellion against glossy hair metal and mainstream excess.

In the U.S., bands such as Metallica (Kill ’Em All) and Iron Maiden (The Number of the Beast) set the stage with ferocious speed and thematic darkness. Slayer, coming from L.A.'s flash-oriented music scene, crashed through with Show No Mercy, detonating “with the force of a concussion grenade” and reshaping what heavy metal could be.

2. Thrash Metal & Contemporary Bands

Thrash wasn't just faster—its ethos fused the technical aggression of New Wave British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM)—bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest—with the brazen intensity of hardcore punk. Venom’s devilish theatrics, Discharge’s grinding intensity, and the speed indebtedness of Exciter and Misfits all meshed in this new sound.

Alongside Slayer, the so-called "Big Four"—Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax—also drove the genre forward, but Slayer quickly earned reputation for their uncompromising pace, poison-tinged themes, and relentless energy.

3. Musical Exploration in “Show No Mercy”

The album channels frenzied riffs, manic drumwork, and vocal delivery that borders on bestial. Tom Araya's voice set a new standard for aggression—lower, harsher, more guttural than anything before—which many argue laid early groundwork for death metal’s vocal style.

Songs like “The Antichrist,” “Die by the Sword,” and “Black Magic” are not just tracks—they are ritualistic assaults in sound. The production is intentionally abrasive, giving the record its signature lo-fi, eerie atmosphere—that rawness has become part of its classic identity.

4. Key Persons Behind the Recording

Brian Slagel: Founder of Metal Blade Records, he spotted Slayer during a cover gig and got them onto Metal Massacre III, then produced and financed the debut with the band.

Bill Metoyer: The in-house engineer who captured Slayer’s raw energy at Track Record Studios in L.A.—the album was recorded in just ten days for about $3,000.

Lawrence R. Reed: Friend of the band and father of Kevin Reed (touring helper), he drew the iconic Baphomet-inspired cover art filled with occult symbolism.

5. Band History, Formation & Lineup

Formation (1981): Slayer sprouted in Huntington Park, California. Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman—bonding over Iron Maiden and hardcore punk—teamed up with drummer Dave Lombardo and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya to form a band burning with raw potential.

Early Days: They began by playing covers of Judas Priest, Venom, and Iron Maiden and embraced Satanic-themed imagery that both shocked and energized audiences.

Enduring Legacy: Slayer went on to become one of thrash metal’s core four, continuing through lineup changes (like Lombardo's intermittent departures, eventual replacement with Paul Bostaph, and Hanneman’s tragic passing) as they cemented a legacy of unyielding aggression—culminating in landmark releases like Reign in Blood (1986).

6. Controversies at Release

Show No Mercy arrived with its satanic imagery, occult themes, and violent lyrics at odds with mainstream sensibilities. Critics often condemned it—Kerrang! called it “pure, unadulterated junk” in 1984—while others praised its ferocious innovation.

The band’s lyrics and visuals provoked backlash from religious groups and censors, feeding into broader discussions around heavy metal’s cultural impact. But in the underground scene, that darkness was not only embraced—it was a rallying cry.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal

Label & Catalognr:

Back On Black – BOBV154LP

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 260 gram

Year & Country:

2009 UK

Producers:
  • Slayer – Producer
  • Brian Slagel – Producer
  • Brian Slagel – Producer, Record Company Owner

    Founder of Metal Blade Records and one of the prime movers behind the 1980s heavy metal underground, responsible for bringing countless cult bands into the daylight.

    Brian Slagel is widely regarded as one of the key architects of modern heavy metal. In 1982, he founded Metal Blade Records, initially as a passion project to document the rising underground scene. The label quickly became a launchpad for bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Mercyful Fate, and Trouble, helping transform tape-trading obscurities into global forces. Alongside his role as a label head, Slagel also worked as a producer with acts like Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble, leaving a lasting imprint on the sound and infrastructure of 1980s metal.

    Brian Slagel Wiki
    • Sound & Recording Engineers:
    • Bill Metoyer – Sound/Recording Engineer
  • Bill Metoyer – Producer, Sound Engineer

    Legendary Metal Blade in-house producer who helped define the raw, aggressive sound of 1980s heavy metal.

    Bill Metoyer is a highly influential producer and sound engineer whose work became a cornerstone of American heavy metal in the 1980s. As Vice President and in-house engineer at Metal Blade Records, he was directly responsible for capturing the raw intensity and unpolished power of bands like Slayer, Armored Saint, and Flotsam and Jetsam. His production style favored clarity without sanding off the aggression, helping underground metal sound dangerous, immediate, and unmistakably alive.

    Bill Metoyer Wiki
    • Recording Location:

    Track Record, L.A.

    Album Cover Design & Artwork:
    • Lawrence R. Reed – Album Cover Design

    Band Members / Musicians:

    Band Line-up:
    • Tom Araya – Bass, Vocals
    • Tom Araya – Bass Guitar, Vocals

      Founding voice and bass anchor of Slayer, known for his ferocious delivery, stark lyrical themes, and a presence that helped define thrash metal at its most extreme.

      Tom Araya is a Chilean-American bassist and vocalist best known as the frontman of Slayer, one of thrash metal’s most influential and uncompromising bands. Joining the group in 1981, Araya combined rapid-fire bass lines with an unmistakable vocal attack that ranged from snarled shouts to near-spoken menace. Albums such as Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, and Seasons in the Abyss cemented his reputation as a defining voice of extreme metal, while his lyrics often explored war, violence, religion, and the darker edges of human psychology. His role in shaping Slayer’s sound and image remains foundational to the genre.

      Tom Araya Wiki
    • Jeff Hanneman – Guitar
    • Jeff Hanneman – Guitars

      Founding guitarist and primary architect of Slayer’s most ruthless material, known for razor-sharp riffs, unsettling themes, and a songwriting style that pushed thrash metal into darker territory.

      Jeff Hanneman was a founding member and guitarist of Slayer and one of the most influential riff writers in extreme metal. Drawing inspiration from punk, hardcore, and war history, his playing favored speed, tension, and brutal simplicity over technical flash. Hanneman co-wrote many of the band’s defining songs, including Angel of Death, Raining Blood, and War Ensemble, helping shape albums such as Reign in Blood and Seasons in the Abyss. His uncompromising approach and dark lyrical focus left a permanent mark on thrash metal’s sound and attitude.

      Jeff Hanneman Wiki
     
    • Kerry King – Guitar
    • Kerry King – Guitars

      Co-founding guitarist of Slayer, known for his relentless riffing, chaotic solo style, and an approach to thrash metal that favored aggression over polish.

      Kerry King is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as a founding member of Slayer, formed in 1981. His playing style is defined by rapid-fire tremolo riffs, atonal dive-bomb solos, and an unapologetically abrasive tone that helped push thrash metal toward its extreme edge. King co-wrote many of the band’s most recognizable songs, contributing decisively to landmark albums such as Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, and Seasons in the Abyss. His aggressive musical vision and confrontational stage presence became core elements of Slayer’s identity and long-term influence.

      Kerry King Wiki
    • Dave Lombardo – Drums
    • Dave Lombardo – Drums

      Revolutionary metal drummer whose speed, precision, and groove redefined what thrash metal drumming could physically do.

      Dave Lombardo is a Cuban-American drummer best known for his work with Slayer, where his explosive double-bass technique and razor-sharp timing set new standards for extreme metal percussion. Joining the band in the early 1980s, Lombardo’s playing became a defining force on albums such as Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, and Seasons in the Abyss, blending raw speed with unexpected rhythmic complexity. Outside of Slayer, he expanded his range through collaborations with Fantômas, Testament, and Suicidal Tendencies, proving his versatility well beyond thrash. His influence on modern metal drumming is both technical and unavoidable.

      Dave Lombardo Wiki

    Complete Track-listing:

    Tracklisting Side One:
    1. Evil Has No Boundaries
    2. The Antichrist
    3. Die by the Sword
    4. Fight till Death
    5. Metalstorm / Face the Slayer
    Video: Slayer-Evil Has No Boundaries-Live Brazil 1998-Legendado PT/BR
    Tracklisting Side Two:
    1. Black Magic
    2. Tormentor
    3. The Final Command
    4. Crionics
    5. Show No Mercy
    Video: Slayer Tormentor
    Album Front Cover Photo
    The front cover artwork of Slayer’s album Show No Mercy, reissued on grey vinyl. The image shows a striking black background dominated by a muscular, demonic figure with goat-like features, large horns, glowing red eyes, and fanged teeth. The demon holds a long silver sword and stands with a menacing stance. Behind him is a large inverted pentagram constructed from four swords, with hilts adorned with gold and blue detailing. At the center, the band name Slayer is boldly spelled in jagged red and white letters. Flames rise from the top of the composition, spelling out the album title in fiery red script. The demon wears spiked wristbands, studded belts, black boots, and a red flowing cape. The entire cover is partially covered with shrink wrap, causing reflections and streaks across the surface.

    The album front cover shows a vivid, gothic illustration dominated by a towering demonic figure. This creature has horns curling from its head, red glowing eyes, and fangs exposed in a snarl, amplifying its threatening presence. Its muscular body is adorned with spiked armbands, studded belts, and black boots, while a flowing crimson cape adds dramatic contrast.

    At the center of the image, an inverted pentagram is cleverly formed by crossed swords, each with ornate hilts of gold and blue. Over this pentagram, the jagged Slayer logo slashes across in stark red and white letters, demanding attention. Above, flames shaped into fiery lettering spell out the album title Show No Mercy, burning against the black background.

    The demon grips a long silver sword, angled menacingly as though ready for battle. The entire artwork is encased under a layer of clear shrink wrap, which reflects light in vertical streaks and slightly obscures parts of the illustration, giving the surface a textured, glossy effect.

    Album Back Cover Photo
    The back cover of Slayer’s Show No Mercy grey vinyl reissue. Against a stark black background, the upper portion lists the track titles in red text: Side 6 includes Evil Has No Boundaries, The Antichrist, Die by the Sword, Fight Till Death, and Metalstorm / Face the Slayer, while Side 66 lists Black Magic, Tormentor, The Final Command, Crionics, and Show No Mercy. Below the track listing are four bordered red-framed photos of the band members performing live. Tom Araya, shirtless and wearing studded leather, sings into a microphone while playing bass. Kerry King, in spiked gear, brandishes a red guitar mid-performance. Jeff Hanneman, blond-haired, is shown in intensity with a black guitar, holding it high. Dave Lombardo is partly hidden behind his drum kit, focused with dark intensity. At the bottom left, the Back On Black logo appears in white. The entire surface is covered with glossy shrink wrap that creates vertical creases and reflections.

    The back cover design presents a black background punctuated by vivid red details. At the top, the full tracklist is printed in two columns: Side 6 with songs like Evil Has No Boundaries and Fight Till Death, and Side 66 featuring Black Magic and Show No Mercy. The choice of numbering 6 and 66 reinforces the dark and occult themes of the record.

    Centered on the cover are four framed live-action shots of the band members. Tom Araya is shown in mid-song, bass strapped on, sweat and energy visible. Kerry King thrashes on a red guitar, clad in leather and spikes. Jeff Hanneman, blond and intense, raises his black guitar in performance. Dave Lombardo peers from behind his white drum kit, cymbals and toms partially obscuring his face, focused on the rhythm.

    At the lower corner, the Back On Black reissue logo is printed, confirming the label behind this edition. The shrink wrap around the sleeve catches light, adding a pattern of glossy vertical ripples and reflections across the surface, slightly obscuring details but also emphasizing its untouched, archival condition.

    Photo of 12" LP Record – Side One
    A high resolution photo of Slayer’s Show No Mercy reissue on grey vinyl, showing the LP record from Side One. The disc is a striking solid grey color, smooth and reflective under light, with visible groove lines circling towards the center. At the center label, set against a black circle, appears the Slayer logo in sharp red letters, overlaid on an inverted pentagram formed by swords. Each sword hilt is topped with a red and gold detail, giving the impression of miniature daggers radiating outward. The record rests flat on a white background, allowing the muted metallic sheen of the grey vinyl to stand out. Its surface shows faint pressing marks and subtle light reflections, highlighting both its texture and unused condition.

    This image shows Side One of the Show No Mercy reissue on grey vinyl. The disc itself is a uniform grey, reflecting light in soft arcs that emphasize the groove patterns spiraling towards the center.

    The central label is black, featuring the Slayer logo in red, jagged typography. Behind it is a white inverted pentagram made up of four crossed swords. Each sword handle bears red and gold details, creating a visual motif of spiked weapons radiating outward.

    Set on a plain white background, the record’s muted metallic tone and subtle surface marks stand out, making the design bold yet elegant, while underscoring the raw aesthetic of this special edition pressing.

    Photo of 12" LP Record – Side Two
    A high resolution photo of Slayer’s Show No Mercy grey vinyl LP record, showing Side Two. The record is pressed in solid grey, with faint groove lines radiating outward under soft light reflections. The central label is black with the Slayer logo in bold red lettering at the top, beneath it the album title Show No Mercy in smaller red text. Below, track listings for Side 6 and Side 66 are printed in red and white type, detailing songs such as Evil Has No Boundaries, The Antichrist, Black Magic, and Show No Mercy. Around the edge, legal and production details encircle the label. At the bottom, the Back On Black logo is printed in white, identifying the reissue label. The disc rests flat on a white background, emphasizing its muted metallic tone.

    This image shows Side Two of the grey vinyl pressing of Show No Mercy. The surface of the disc glows with a subdued metallic grey, its groove lines catching light in soft circular reflections.

    The central label is dominated by the Slayer logo in jagged red lettering. Just beneath it, the album title appears in smaller print, with the track listings for both sides presented clearly: Side 6 includes early cuts such as Evil Has No Boundaries and Die by the Sword, while Side 66 features Black Magic, Tormentor, and Show No Mercy.

    Around the edge of the label, fine white text provides legal and production details. The bottom of the label carries the Back On Black insignia, marking this edition as part of their reissue series. Resting on a neutral white background, the record’s understated grey finish is striking and elegant.

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