Ranking All SLAYER Albums From Worst To Best

Few bands have shaped the landscape of thrash metal as profoundly as SLAYER. With brutal riffs, breakneck speed, and themes exploring darkness and chaos, SLAYER‘s discography stands as a testament to the genre’s raw power. Over their career, they released 12 studio albums, each contributing uniquely to their legacy. Here, we rank all SLAYER albums from worst to best.

12. Undisputed Attitude (1996)

While Undisputed Attitude offers a glimpse into SLAYER‘s punk influences, it’s ultimately a collection of covers that feels out of place within their discography. Covering punk and hardcore tracks from bands like MINOR THREAT and D.R.I., the album lacks the dark, complex songwriting fans expect. Though a fun detour, it feels more like a side project than a full-fledged SLAYER release.

11. Diabolus In Musica (1998)

Arguably SLAYER‘s most controversial album, Diabolus In Musica experimented with drop tunings and groove-oriented riffs, drawing accusations of “selling out” to the nu-metal trend. While tracks like “Bitter Peace” and “Stain of Mind” pack a punch, the album’s muddier sound and deviation from SLAYER‘s signature style leave it near the bottom of the list.

10. Repentless (2015)

As SLAYER‘s final studio album, Repentless aimed to honor their legacy but struggled to capture the same ferocity of past records. The absence of Jeff Hanneman‘s songwriting is palpable, though Gary Holt‘s contributions are commendable. The title track delivers a thrash onslaught, but much of the album feels like a safe, if somewhat hollow, farewell.

9. God Hates Us All (2001)

Released on the infamous date of September 11, 2001, God Hates Us All is a caustic album that showcases Slayer at their most raw and aggressive. While divisive, tracks like “Disciple” and “God Send Death” demonstrate unfiltered rage. The album’s modern production and groove elements, however, make it a polarizing listen for old-school fans.

8. World Painted Blood (2009)

World Painted Blood was a solid return to form, capturing a mix of SLAYER‘s classic speed and a more contemporary edge. Tracks like “Hate Worldwide” and the title track reflect a rejuvenated energy. While not groundbreaking, the album serves as a fitting late-career entry with a balance of thrash intensity and darker themes.

7. Christ Illusion (2006)

Christ Illusion marked the return of drummer Dave Lombardo and brought back some of the frenetic energy that defined SLAYER‘s early work. Songs like “Flesh Storm” and “Jihad” deliver razor-sharp riffs and controversial lyrics, reaffirming SLAYER‘s refusal to compromise. While not flawless, it was a vital comeback that reminded fans why SLAYER‘s ferocity was unmatched.

6. Divine Intervention (1994)

The first album without drummer Dave Lombardo, Divine Intervention proved that SLAYER could still unleash hell without missing a beat. With tracks like “Killing Fields” and “213,” the album explores darker, more personal themes, capturing a raw and sinister energy. Paul Bostaph‘s drumming was a standout, helping to cement the album’s place in SLAYER‘s mid-era peak.

5. Show No Mercy (1983)

SLAYER‘s debut, Show No Mercy, is raw, fast, and unapologetically evil—a blueprint for what would become thrash metal. Influenced heavily by VENOM and IRON MAIDEN, tracks like “Die by the Sword” and “The Antichrist” showcase a young band hungry for chaos. While not as refined as later releases, its feral intensity makes it a foundational thrash record.

4. South of Heaven (1988)

After the speed-demon assault of Reign in Blood, SLAYER took a darker, slower turn with South of Heaven. The result was hauntingly effective. Tracks like “Mandatory Suicide” and the title track balance crushing riffs with eerie atmospheres, proving SLAYER could deliver brutality at any tempo. It’s a masterclass in how to evolve without losing an edge.

3. Hell Awaits (1985)

Before mastering speed with Reign in Blood, SLAYER embraced complexity on Hell Awaits. The album’s intricate song structures and evil atmosphere—epitomized by the backwards-masked intro to the title track—cemented their status as the darkest of the Big Four. With longer, labyrinthine compositions like “At Dawn They Sleep,” SLAYER‘s sophomore album was a declaration of darkness.

2. Seasons in the Abyss (1990)

Combining the melody and atmosphere of South of Heaven with the speed of Reign in Blood, Seasons in the Abyss is SLAYER’s most balanced and versatile album. Tracks like “War Ensemble” and the title track showcase both technical prowess and apocalyptic themes. Its precision and variety make it a staple for any thrash metal fan.

1. Reign in Blood (1986)

Unsurprisingly, Reign in Blood claims the top spot. At just under 30 minutes, it’s a relentless barrage of speed and savagery. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album’s crisp production and iconic tracks like “Angel of Death” and “Raining Blood” have set the standard for thrash metal. Decades later, its impact is undiminished—an unholy grail of extreme music.