off: Angel of Death was Re: OFF: Duran Duran

[Paul Mather]

On Fri, 14 Jun 1996, bart wrote:

[[Various stuff on the merits of Slayer writing a song about Josef
Mengele.]]

> I think Tom Araya's argument would be "hey, the subject matter got us noticed
> as a band and now we're extremely popular ! Thanks Josef"  :-)

I have heard in interview with Araya that it was producer Rick Rubin who
pushed hard for the controversial lyrics, knowing that the publicity of
notoriety would help sell albums.  Araya was pretty up front about it.

> (Besides, didn't someone here say Araya listens to soul music at home ? :-)

Yes.  Plus, I remember (possibly in the same interview) that they don't
listen to thrash, etc. when touring, because they get more than enough of
it when on stage.  Actually, Araya came across as a pretty nice guy; one
able to separate well his stage persona and the band and his private life.

> ... and 'Reign In Blood' *is* a storming album...

Can't disagree there; a masterpiece!

Cheers,

Paul.

obCD: Prazsky Vyber, _Adieu C.A. (Live)_

PS: Is _Divine Intervention_ any good?  For me, I think Slayer peaked with
_Reign In Blood_, and I barely listened to their subsequent _Seasons in
the Abyss_ (though I quite liked _South of Heaven_).  Recommendations via
private e-mail...

e-mail: paul at csgrad.cs.vt.edu                    A stranger in a strange land.