Slayer discography is the discography for the American thrash metal band Slayer. Formed in 1981, the band has since released nine studio albums, two live albums, two EPs, a box set and three DVDs. Five of the band's albums have received gold certification by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales in excess of 500,000. Two DVDs have also been certified gold, selling over 50,000 units.
Studio albums and extended plays
Metal Blade Records
Slayer was the opening act for Bitch at the Woodstock Club in Los Angeles. The band performed a total of eight songs, six being covers.[1] While performing "Phantom of the Opera" by Iron Maiden, the band was spotted by Brian Slagel, a former music journalist who had recently founded Metal Blade Records. Slagel was impressed with their performance, and met the band backstage, asking if they would like to be featured on the label's upcoming Metal Massacre IIIcompilation, the band agreed.[1] The band's appearance on the compilation created underground buzz, which led to Slagel signing the band with Metal Blade Records.[1]
Slayer discography discography
Slayer discography discography
Slayer discography discography
Def Jam Records
Slagel realized the band needed to hit the "big time" with their next album, talking to several labels, including Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons of Def Jam Records, although he was hesitant about signing with a rap label.[2] Drummer Dave Lombardo heard about Rubin's interest in the band pursuing to contact him, while other band members were apprehensive about leaving Metal Blade Records to whom they were contracted.[2] While Slagel was in Europe for a music convention, Rubin talked to the band directly, and convinced them to sign with Def Jam. Slagel gave Rubin credit; stating Rubin was the most passionate of all the labels the band were talking to.[2]
Slayer discography discography
Slayer discography discography
American Recordings
Rubin parted ways with Def Jam Records in late 1988, due to differences with then-presidentLyor Cohen.[3]Hip-hop artists such as LL Cool J, and Slick Rick stayed with Def Jam co-founder Russel Simmons, while Slayer signed to Rubin's newly founded label Def American Recordings, which was renamed to American Recordings shortly after.[4]
Slayer's VHS release Live Intrusion features a joint cover of black metal band Venom's "Witching Hour", with heavy metal band Machine Head. Relations between Slayer guitarist King and Machine Head front man Robert Flynn have since deteriorated.[5] The band's two DVDs entered the top 10 in the Billboard DVD chart in the United States,[6][7] and have received gold certification for sales in excess of 50,000.[8]
Slayer discography discography
Slayer discography discography
Slayer discography discography
Box set
Around the time of thinking of the album title for the album God Hates Us All, vocalist Araya suggested they release a box set.[9] The band forwarded material to their record label, American Recordings, after the label granted permission to issue the box set in September 2003, wanting an immediate release for the holiday season.[9] The box set featured unreleased material, both audio and video content as King had five boxes full of performances dating back to 1983.[10]
Slayer discography discography
Soundtrack/compilation appearances
"In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida", by Iron Butterfly, recorded at the insistence of Rubin was the first song to garner radio airplay, and was featured in the film Less Than Zero.
"Disorder" (medley of three songs by The Exploited: "War", "UK 82", "Disorder"), with Ice-T, on Judgement Night OST (later released on Soundtrack to the Apocalypse).[12]