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Slayer ending their Reign in Blood
with Final World Tour

Slayer Farewell Tour
(Featuring: Slayer, Lamb of God, Anthrax, Testament & Napalm Death)
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Darien, NY
August 3, 2018

Slayer

Anthrax

Lamb of God

Words and photos by Johnny Hall

After 34 years, thrash metal titans, Slayer are hanging up the reigns as heavy metal gods. Currently on the second leg of their final worldwide tour, Slayer have brought along some of their friends to make sure that their Reign in Blood Tour will not soon be forgotten.

Repentless, the latest recording from Slayer, marks their first on new label, Nuclear Blast records. The new record is as one would expect; strictly Slayer. They have a no-apologies attack on the current state of affairs both politically and socially. Repentless is hard and heavy as any of their other albums, but with a wisdom that comes with maturity as a band.

Slayer helped form and usher in the genre that is Thrash Metal, with their fusion of thrash and punk bringing together groups of fans into a giant moshing family. The band is currently made up of Tom Araya taking the duties of vocals and bass, Kerry King shredding on the guitar, Gary Holt also on guitar, and Paul Bostaph hitting the drums. The five-time nominated, two-time Grammy Award winners brought their aggressive sound and show to the Darien Lake Amphitheater on August 3rd. Slayer took to the stage under a black screen as an inverted cross light show danced around the amphitheater. While a recording of "Delusions of Saviour" played, the screen dropped, and the group started into "Repentless," off of the new album.

With a backdrop of skulls and fire spewing pyro, the band began it's audible onslaught to the approximately 7,000 people. Their set list included songs off their newest work as well as songs from their catalog with highlights including "Hate Worldwide," "War Ensemble" and "Jihad" as well as "Seasons in the Abyss," "Dittohead" and "Raining Blood." The crowd was full of Slayer fans wishing a fond farewell to one of their favorite groups. Clad in their finest, the crowd was brimming with pentagrams and Slayerific imagery; from leather jackets with spikes and chains in the 90-degree heat to goths dressed in black with full King Diamond face paint. As in the beginning, the Thrash genre brought all walks together under one music and the groups are giving a fitting good-bye to the juggernauts that helped start it all.

Opening the event in the 5pm slot were Napalm Death. The grindcore veterans, hailing from England, started the show as the crowd began to fill in. Their sound was fast and furious with front man and vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway growling and screaming lyrics into the microphone will moving across the stage like a man possessed. The rest of the band rounding out the sonic melee are Shane Embury on bass, Mitch Harris on guitars, and Danny Herrera on drums. Playing a 30 minute set list the group began charging the crowd with energy for the night.

Next on the bill were thrash titans Testament; one of the most popular and influential band of the thrash metal scene. Starting in 1983, the band has grown a large following, often being cited as being idols of up and coming thrash bands. Currently on tour in support of the 12th studio album, Brotherhood of the Snake, the band is comprised of Eric Peterson on rhythm guitar, Chuck Billy on vocals, Alex Skolnick on guitar, drums by Gene Hoglan, and Steve DiGiorgio playing six string bass. Testament ripped through their 30 minute set, absolutely bringing their A-game.

Next up on the massive heavy metal bill were Anthrax. These NYC maniacs started out their set playing a recorded version of "Number of the Beast" and an intro of the Pantera song "Cowboys from Hell," leading right into their original "Caught in a Mosh." Also in the 8-song set was crowd favorites "Got the Time" and "Indians." Members Scott Ian, Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, Joey Belladonna, and Jon Donais played together seamlessly, engaging with and vibing off the audience proving they still have what it takes to give fans skull crushing metal.

After the Anthrax attack, the venue was to witness Lamb of God. The three-time Grammy nominated group came to the stage under a veil of red, ominous lights. They are the forerunners of modern American Metal. Touring for their Burn the Priest Legion: XX release, Lamb of God played for 45 minutes with a set list of nine fanatical songs. Lamb of God singer, Randy Blythe, often looked like a wild madman moving around the stage, jumping from risers while growling in his unmistakable voice. John Campbell and Chris Adler were glued together holding down the rhythm section while Willie Adler and Mark Morton pierced the night with screaming and crunching guitar work. Lamb of God provided the proper pedestal for the eagle that is Slayer to land.