Repentless

Decades after Metallica and Megadeth started writing radio-friendly songs, thrash-metal firebrands Slayer are still courting controversy — depicting Jesus in hell on their new LP cover and howling, "A little violence is the ultimate drug/Let's get high!" on standout "Vices." Chilean-American frontman Tom Araya even teases a race war on "Pride in Prejudice." It's Slayer's first record without late guitarist-songwriter Jeff Hanneman — but it's their most vital, bloodthirsty offering since 2001's God Hates Us All, with furious guitar solos from Kerry King and guest Gary Holt. Slayer may never change. With an album like this, why should they?