World Painted Blood — Slayer's tenth studio album
World Painted Blood is Slayer's tenth studio album, released November 3, 2009. A late-period thrash record, it earned chart success and Grammy nominations and was the last album to feature Lombardo and Hanneman.
Overview
World Painted Blood is the tenth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer, released on November 3, 2009 through American Recordings and distributed by Sony Music Entertainment. The record arrived more than three decades after the band's formation and continued their established approach: fast tempos, aggressive riffing and dark lyrical themes. It is notable in the band's catalog as the final studio release to feature drummer Dave Lombardo and guitarist Jeff Hanneman in the lineup.
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Recording and release
The album was completed in the late 2000s and released worldwide in autumn 2009. Promotion included singles and tours that emphasized Slayer's live intensity. The release marked a partnership with labels that had supported the group since the late 1980s and brought the band continued commercial visibility while retaining the concise, brutal sound that had defined their career.
Musical style and themes
Musically, World Painted Blood follows Slayer's trademark thrash metal template: rapid guitar riffs, complex rhythms, and harsh vocal delivery. Lyrical subjects revisit violence, war, hatred and social breakdown—material consistent with the band's long-running interest in dark and confrontational topics. The production preserves a raw edge while allowing clarity for the interplay of guitars and rhythm section.
Chart performance and accolades
The album performed well commercially for a heavy metal release, peaking at #12 on the Billboard 200 and appearing on several genre charts: #2 on Top Hard Rock Albums, #4 on Top Rock Albums, #1 on Top Tastemaker Albums and #18 on Digital Albums. Two tracks from the album received recognition at the Grammy Awards: "Hate Worldwide" earned a nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2010 and the title track "World Painted Blood" was nominated in the same category in 2011 (Grammy Awards).
Reception and legacy
Critics generally received the album as a strong late-period effort that reaffirmed Slayer's consistency. Fans appreciated its intensity and continuity with the band's earlier work. Historically the album stands as a closing chapter of a lineup that underwent major changes shortly after: drummer departures and the later death of Hanneman affected Slayer's trajectory and influenced subsequent recordings and tours.
Key facts
- Artist: Slayer
- Release date: November 3, 2009
- Label: American Recordings
- Notable personnel: Dave Lombardo, Jeff Hanneman
- Major recognitions: Grammy nominations for tracks from the album (Grammy Awards)
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com World Painted Blood — Slayer's tenth studio album Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/109103
Sources
- blabbermouth.net : "Slayer Talks About 'World Painted Blood' Title Track; Video Available"
- allmusic.com : "World Painted Blood - Slayer - Releases"
- blabbermouth.net : "Slayer: We Do Not Agree With Dave Lombardo's Substance Or Timeline Of Events"
- billboard.com : "Slayer Guitarist Jeff Hanneman Dead at 49"
- billboard.com : "Slayer Album & Song Chart History (Billboard 200)"
- billboard.com : "Slayer Album & Song Chart History (Digital Albums)"
- billboard.com : "Slayer Album & Song Chart History (Hard Rock Albums)"
- billboard.com : "Slayer Album & Song Chart History (Top Rock Albums)"
- billboard.com : "Slayer Album & Song Chart History (Tastemaker Albums)"
- rockonthenet.com : "52nd Grammy Awards - 2010"
- rockonthenet.com : "53rd Grammy Awards - 2011"