Slayer Album: “Vinyl Conflict”

This collection is amazing. It's like hearing these albums for the first time all over again. The effort put into these re-issues is apparent from the get go: the heavy litho-wrapped jackets feel and look great, while the 12X12 inserts of the original LP inner sleeve artwork look beautiful and give the listener something to peruse while taking in each individual album.

These albums have never sounded better. I'm pretty jaded when it comes to re-masters of classic albums but these have blown me away. From the opening riff of "Angel of Death" one can tell that this will be an all-out aural assault. Every note is crisp, clear, and brutal. The drums are the real star of the show, as Dave Lombardo's punishing work really stands out in the new mix. The drums aren't overpowering by any means, but the clarity with which these records are presented showcases Slayer's masterful drum work.

The price point is very high for these, so they obviously aren't for everyone but for those willing to take the financial leap and make this purchase, you will be rewarded. Also, I haven't been able to locate any information on just how "limited" this edition is so collector's should exercise some healthy skepticism in regards to their collectibility.

First off, this box set is absolutely beautiful. It sounds great, the quality is excellent and we finally get the American years of Slayer's work on vinyl. Well done fellas.

I do have one major complaint:

WHERE IS LARRY CARROLL'S CHRIST ILLUSION COVER????!!!!

Larry Carroll is the artist who created the haunting cover art for Reign in Blood, South of Heaven and Seasons (all of which look amazing here). Larry Carroll was brought back when Dave Lombardo returned and created the best looking Slayer cover since Seasons. The cover (featuring an armless Christ in a sea of despair) was considered offensive and was replaced. The replacement cover (generic, tossed off and uninspired) is the one issued here. Yes, I realize this version of Christ Illusion has 'the final six', but can't we have the extra track and the original cover art? If they're going through all the trouble to issue this box set, at least give us the cool cover. C.I. is one of my favorites and I'm irritated every time I see it.

It is thrilling to experience these records on vinyl. They sound clear, crisp and crunchy... like a ripe satanic apple. RTI did a great job. While all these lp's are going to see some heavy rotation, I'm thankful that I bought Christ Illusion when it came out so I don't need to look at it in a lesser state.

This is the best musical experience of my life I have have been listening to these albums just about everyday for the last 15 years and now they sound so gritty it is like a whole new high. I can't stop spinning these things. Thank you SLAYER for this and keep it going I will see you again in chicago whenever you show up.

I actually pre-ordered these directly through slayer's webpage and I paid 140 shipped, when all other sites were asking 200 for the pre-order, but the price has since came down to what I paid for them. If you tried buying these albums separately you could easily pay upwards of 4 to 5 hundred bucks, so they are priced afford-ably. The music speaks for it's self and is amazing on these records. I do wish they could have added some bonus tracks and extra art or liner notes, but I am more than pleased they decided to re-release this as one big set for us vinyl fans.

I'm not going to review Slayer. It's SLAYER!! You're probably not buying The Vinyl Conflict if you're not already a fan. That being said, I urge people who may be into vinyl, and metal, but maybe haven't heard too much Slayer to pick this up.

The vinyl itself is absolutely silent, perfectly pressed 180gram. Great stuff. If you have been disappointed by the sound quality of CD's (i.e. - the loudness wars) it's wonderful to hear Slayer on Vinyl. The highs are crisp without being too much, and the bass is right there, but not overwhelming, as this is old school thrash, not hip hop. The midrange is warm, and stereo separation is great.

The packaging is nice, but I would have left out Slayer's latest release "World Painted Blood", as fans (including myself) already have it on vinyl, and it would leave a nice spot for the booklet that probably should be included. In the end, I suppose it's better for them to have spent more time on the mastering than the art anyway!