User:Ceoil/Punk Rock

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[edit] Recording

Christ Illusion was recorded via computer between two studios: NRG, North Hollywood, with assistant engineer Dave Colvin, and Westlake Studios, Los Angeles, where Brian Warwick assisted.^[1][2] The album was produced by Josh Abraham,^[1] whose contribution was praised by Blabbermouth's Don Kaye "for capturing much more of the spark than has been apparent on the last few records."^[3] Although Reign in Blood producer Rick Rubin is accredited as "executive producer",^[1] guitarist Kerry King has said that he cannot recall Rubin's presence in the studio during the recording, and Rubin's main contribution was in providing suggestions during the final mix.^[2] Though Slayer wished for Rubin to produce the album, they later blamed him for the delay in entering the studio.^[4] Around this time, Rubin lent production to Metallica's untitled ninth studio album, an action described by King as a "slap in the fucking face."^[4] Jamie Thomson of UK's The Guardian newspaper was scornful of Rubin's contribution, and observed Slayer "seem unwilling to ditch the nu-metal tendencies that have made much of their recent output so resistible, which suggests Rubin's involvement was considerably less hands-on than in his remarkable redemptions of Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond."^[5]

King recalls nine of the eleven songs originally slated for Christ Illusion were demoed in 2004, with Lombardo at the drum kit.^[6] However, Lombardo recalls recording with King as far back as early 2003, when two demos were completed at Lombardo's home.^[7] Lombardo's involvement marked the first time he, King, Araya and Hanneman had appeared together on record since the release of Seasons in the Abyss in 1990,^[2] a reason cited by guitarist Jeff Hanneman for an alleged clearer punk vibe throughout the songs on the album.^[8] Lombardo personally described the album as "a matured Reign in Blood",^[9] while King described it as "a mix between God Hates [Us All] and Seasons [in the Abyss]."^[10] As with Slayer's two previous albums, all rhythm guitar tracks on Christ Illusion were laid down by King.^[2] Using a Marshall JCM 800 as the main guitar sound throughout the album, King wrote approximately 80% of his guitar solo parts prior to the sessions.^[2] The song "Catalyst", meanwhile, almost saw inclusion on Slayer's 2001 album God Hates Us All, existing in an alternate version which features former drummer Paul Bostaph on drums.^[6]

Although eleven songs were originally slated for the album, only ten made the final track listing. A song penned by Hanneman,^[6] entitled "Final Six", was meant for inclusion,^[2] with the song name originally declared as the album's title by vocalist Tom Araya to George Stroumboulopoulous of CBC's "The Hour."^[11] Questioned about the album's title by Kevin and Bean of Los Angeles KROQ-FM, King replied "I'm not positive it's been nailed yet. I think last week was the deadline and I'm not sure where it ended up, so I'm gonna have to take the fifth on that one. The way it was going, my vote was overlooked, so… That's why I'm not real thrilled about it."^[11] However, Araya took one weekend off for vacation during the recording of the album and required a two-hour gall bladder operation the following Monday on May 5, 2006.^[2][12] Thus, he was unable to finish the vocals for the song in time for the album's release.^[2] King has hinted that "Final Six" may appear on a special digipack release of Christ Illusion.^[2]

[edit] References