The Bloody Reign Of Slayer
by Joel McIver

God Hates Us All, but McIver bestows us with gifts

Just who founded what is now called extreme metal is debatable, with Venom and Metallica the two most likely candidates. Still, few bands have been more influential – or contributed more classic music – to the genre than Slayer.

Ex-RC staffer Joel McIver’s excellent biography does the band the service of taking their music – and metal in general – seriously, without ever becoming pompous. As well as telling Slayer’s story compellingly, he both acknowledges the adolescent genesis of the genre’s preoccupations, but also appreciates that, in their mature work, Slayer’s music and lyrics became something far more serious and provocative. Although not an official biography, McIver is able to draw on his own interviews with Slayer, as well as with many prominent members of the metal community, to create a portrait of the band that is rich in detail and anecdote, but also provides a panoramic view of the evolution of the metal scene from the early 80s to the present day. In short, this is an essential read for anyone with an interest in the more extreme end of the metal spectrum and one of its most iconic acts.

ISBN 9781847721099

Reviewed by William Pinfold
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