Though Slayer had released a live album before this came along, it was not anywhere near the sheer magnitude that this comes across on.
Decade Of Aggression was released as a celebration of ten years of Slayer, and was recorded on the Seasons In The Abyss tour. There could be no better time to record a live album for Slayer. They were on a high, their albums were selling through the roof, and they were bloody heavy.
This is a spectacular analysis of the band live. They are powerful and fast, with barely a break between songs to catch breath. Dave just goes off on the drums, Kerry and Jeff's guitars are blinding, while Tommy stands at the front and belts out his vocals while banging away on the bass.
What impresses me the most about this release is that there are no overdubs. What you hear is what was played on stage. And you know that, because Tom stuffs up the lyrics in War Ensemble, and the band just keeps on going. Perhaps overdubs on live albums have their place, but you buy a live album to hear how the band really sounds, not how they sound in a studio.
Memories : The day I bought this, Bono was in the market for a stereo, so he had Kearo, Anthony, Shane, Holzy and me following him around to different stores as he tried to find a bargain. When it came to trying them out, he hadn't bought a CD that day – so it was Decade Of Aggression, pumping through the departments in David Jones, much to the chagrin of most of the customers on that Saturday afternoon.
Rating : One of the best three live albums ever released. A must have. 5/5.
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