What is the best Slayer album of all time?

Slayer defined extremity in heavy metal — blistering tempos, demonic imagery, and guitar solos that sounded like pure chaos. Their 1986 masterpiece Reign in Blood changed what metal could be, but their catalog is full of punishing records that push boundaries of speed and aggression. Which album is their finest?

Reign in Blood

The 1986 29-minute thrash metal perfect storm produced by Rick Rubin.

1/10

South of Heaven

The 1988 album slowing the pace and adding melody while losing none of the menace.

2/10

Seasons in the Abyss

The 1990 album finding a perfect balance between speed and groove.

3/10

Hell Awaits

The 1985 pre-Rick Rubin album showcasing raw demonic speed and chaos.

4/10

Show No Mercy

Their 1983 debut combining NWOBHM influences with extreme speed and Satanic imagery.

5/10

Divine Intervention

The 1994 aggressive return to form following the death of Jeff Hanneman's friend.

6/10

God Hates Us All

The 2001 album released on September 11th, delivering their most brutal modern work.

7/10

Christ Illusion

The 2006 reunion album with Dave Lombardo returning behind the kit.

8/10

World Painted Blood

The 2009 album mixing thrash brutality with experimental touches.

9/10

Repentless

Their 2015 farewell album recorded without Jeff Hanneman, who died in 2013.

10/10