Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a somewhat controversial, yet undeniably interesting album in Slayer's discography: Undisputed Attitude. This record, released in 1996, saw the thrash metal legends taking a detour from their usual sound to pay homage to some of their favorite hardcore punk bands. It's a cover album, but it’s Slayer doing punk – so you know it’s gonna be intense. Let’s explore what makes this album tick, why it stands out, and whether it’s a worthy addition to the Slayer canon. Undisputed Attitude isn't just a collection of covers; it's a statement, a testament to the band's roots, and a middle finger to anyone who thought they could predict Slayer's next move. The decision to record Undisputed Attitude was a bold one, especially for a band at the height of their thrash metal fame. Imagine being a die-hard Slayer fan in 1996, eagerly awaiting the next chapter after the blistering Divine Intervention. Instead of another face-melting thrash assault, you get a collection of raw, aggressive punk covers. Some fans were ecstatic, others were confused, and some were downright angry. But that's Slayer for you – never afraid to challenge expectations. The album's tracklist is a fascinating mix of hardcore punk classics and some lesser-known gems, showcasing the band's diverse influences. From the blistering energy of Minor Threat's "Guilty of Being White" to the raw aggression of D.R.I.'s "Violent Pacification," Slayer throws themselves into each cover with their signature intensity. The production is deliberately raw and unpolished, capturing the spirit of the original punk recordings while still retaining a distinctly Slayer-esque edge. It's a sound that's both familiar and jarring, a testament to the band's ability to adapt and experiment. So, grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and let's dive into the chaos of Undisputed Attitude!

The Origins of Undisputed Attitude

The story of Undisputed Attitude begins with Slayer's deep-rooted appreciation for punk rock. Even though they are known as titans of thrash metal, the members of Slayer – Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya, and Paul Bostaph – had always harbored a love for the raw energy and rebellious spirit of punk. Bands like Minor Threat, D.R.I., and The Stooges were formative influences, shaping their musical sensibilities and rebellious attitude. Kerry King, in particular, has often spoken about his love for punk rock, emphasizing its influence on Slayer's aggressive sound and DIY ethos. He saw a connection between the raw energy of punk and the blistering intensity of thrash metal, recognizing a shared spirit of rebellion and defiance. The idea for Undisputed Attitude came about as a way for Slayer to pay tribute to these influences and to explore a different side of their musical personalities. It wasn't about abandoning their thrash metal roots, but rather about acknowledging the foundation upon which their sound was built. The album was also a way to challenge themselves creatively and to push the boundaries of what a Slayer album could be. The band members have mentioned in interviews that they wanted to do something completely different and unexpected. They wanted to surprise their fans and show them that they were more than just a thrash metal band. They wanted to prove that they could take on any genre and make it their own. The decision to record a cover album was also influenced by the fact that the band had recently gone through some lineup changes, with Paul Bostaph replacing Dave Lombardo on drums. Undisputed Attitude served as a way for the new lineup to gel and to establish their chemistry before embarking on their next full-length studio album of original material. It was a low-pressure way to get back into the studio and to have some fun experimenting with different sounds and styles. The choice of songs for Undisputed Attitude was a collaborative effort, with each member of the band contributing their favorite punk tracks to the mix. The goal was to select songs that were both influential and representative of the diverse range of punk subgenres that had influenced Slayer over the years. The tracklist includes classics from hardcore punk bands like Minor Threat and D.R.I., as well as lesser-known gems from bands like Verbal Abuse and Attitude Adjustment. There are even a couple of original songs written in the punk style, showcasing the band's ability to write convincing punk anthems. Ultimately, Undisputed Attitude was a passion project for Slayer, a chance to pay homage to their punk rock heroes and to explore a different side of their musical identities. It was a risky move, but one that ultimately paid off, solidifying their reputation as one of the most innovative and unpredictable bands in metal.

Track-by-Track Breakdown

Let's break down some key tracks on Undisputed Attitude, dissecting Slayer's interpretations and highlighting what makes each cover unique:

• "Disintegration/Free Money" (Verbal Abuse): The album kicks off with a raw and aggressive cover of Verbal Abuse's "Disintegration," seamlessly transitioning into "Free Money." Slayer's version is faster and heavier than the original, with Kerry King's signature guitar tone adding a metallic edge. Tom Araya's vocals are particularly ferocious, capturing the anger and frustration of the lyrics.
• "Verbal Abuse/Leeches" (Verbal Abuse): Another double dose of Verbal Abuse, this time with "Verbal Abuse" and "Leeches." Slayer stays true to the original's chaotic energy, but adds their own brand of heaviness and precision. Paul Bostaph's drumming is particularly impressive, driving the song forward with relentless force.
• "Abolish Government/Superficial Love" (T.S.O.L.): Slayer tackles T.S.O.L.'s political punk with a vengeance. "Abolish Government/Superficial Love" is a scathing indictment of authority and societal hypocrisy, delivered with Slayer's trademark intensity. The guitars are razor-sharp, and the rhythm section is locked in tight, creating a sonic assault that's both brutal and catchy.
• "Can't Stand You" (Papa Pope): One of the album's most unexpected covers, "Can't Stand You" is a short, sharp shock of pure punk energy. Slayer rips through the song in under a minute, capturing the raw, unfiltered aggression of the original. It's a fun, chaotic blast that showcases the band's ability to embrace the spirit of punk rock.
• "Ddamm" (The Dicks): Slayer's cover of The Dicks' "Ddamm" is a standout track on Undisputed Attitude. The song's dark and cynical lyrics about societal decay are perfectly suited to Slayer's bleak worldview. The band's performance is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the song's underlying sense of despair and alienation.
• "Guilty of Being White" (Minor Threat): Arguably the most controversial track on the album, Slayer's cover of Minor Threat's "Guilty of Being White" sparked debate due to its lyrics and perceived racial insensitivity. While the band has defended their interpretation, the song remains a contentious point for some listeners. Musically, Slayer's version is a faithful rendition of the original, with a slightly heavier edge.
• "I Hate You" (Verbal Abuse): Slayer revisits Verbal Abuse with "I Hate You", a blistering track filled with pure animosity. Tom Araya’s vocals drip with disdain, perfectly capturing the song's hateful message. The guitars are sharp and biting, adding to the overall sense of aggression.
• "Filler/I Don't Want to Hear It" (Minor Threat): Another Minor Threat cover, this time combining "Filler" and "I Don't Want to Hear It." Slayer maintains the fast-paced energy of the originals, adding a layer of metallic crunch. Paul Bostaph's drumming is particularly relentless, driving the song forward with unrelenting force.
• "Spiritual Law" (D.R.I.): Slayer takes on D.R.I.'s crossover thrash with "Spiritual Law." The song's fast tempo and aggressive riffs are perfectly suited to Slayer's style. The band's performance is tight and precise, capturing the intensity of the original while adding their own signature heaviness.
• "Sick Boy" (Discharge): Slayer tackles Discharge's classic hardcore punk with "Sick Boy." The song's bleak and nihilistic lyrics are perfectly suited to Slayer's dark worldview. The band's performance is raw and visceral, capturing the intensity of the original while adding their own signature heaviness.
• "Mr. Freeze" (Dr. Know): A deep cut from Dr. Know, "Mr. Freeze" gets the Slayer treatment. The band injects the song with their trademark aggression, transforming it into a metallic hardcore anthem. Kerry King's guitar solo is a particular highlight, adding a shredding edge to the punk-infused chaos.
• "Violent Pacification" (D.R.I.): Slayer unleashes their fury on D.R.I.'s "Violent Pacification," a blistering track that perfectly encapsulates the band's aggressive energy. Tom Araya's vocals are particularly intense, screaming the lyrics with unbridled rage. The guitars are razor-sharp, and the rhythm section is locked in tight, creating a sonic assault that's both brutal and catchy.
• "Richard Hung Himself" (D.I.): Slayer delves into the dark and disturbing with D.I.'s "Richard Hung Himself." The song's bleak lyrics about suicide are delivered with a chilling intensity. The band's performance is both powerful and unsettling, capturing the song's underlying sense of despair and hopelessness.

Critical Reception and Fan Reaction

Undisputed Attitude received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised Slayer for their willingness to experiment and for their energetic interpretations of punk classics. Others criticized the album for being a departure from their signature sound and for its perceived lack of originality. The album's raw and unpolished production also drew criticism from some listeners, who felt that it lacked the sonic clarity and power of Slayer's previous albums.

Fan reaction to Undisputed Attitude was equally divided. Some die-hard Slayer fans embraced the album as a fun and unexpected diversion, appreciating the band's tribute to their punk rock influences. Other fans were less enthusiastic, viewing the album as a disappointment and a waste of time. Some fans even accused Slayer of selling out or abandoning their metal roots.

Despite the mixed reception, Undisputed Attitude has since gained a cult following among Slayer fans. Many listeners have come to appreciate the album's raw energy, its historical significance, and its glimpse into the band's musical influences. The album has also been praised for its diverse tracklist, which showcases a wide range of punk subgenres and influences. Undisputed Attitude stands as a testament to Slayer's willingness to take risks and to challenge expectations. It may not be their most beloved album, but it remains a fascinating and unique chapter in their discography.

Legacy and Influence

While Undisputed Attitude might not be the first album that comes to mind when discussing Slayer's legacy, it holds a significant place in their discography. It demonstrated their versatility and willingness to step outside their comfort zone. The album also served as an introduction to punk rock for many metalheads, opening their ears to a genre they might not have otherwise explored. Furthermore, Undisputed Attitude highlighted the often-overlooked connection between thrash metal and hardcore punk. Both genres share a rebellious spirit, aggressive energy, and a DIY ethos. Slayer's decision to cover punk bands helped to bridge the gap between these two worlds, demonstrating their shared roots and mutual influence. The album also influenced other metal bands to explore their own punk influences, leading to a wave of crossover albums and collaborations. In conclusion, Undisputed Attitude is more than just a cover album; it's a statement about Slayer's identity, their influences, and their willingness to defy expectations. It's a reminder that even the most iconic bands can surprise us and that sometimes, the most unexpected detours can lead to the most interesting discoveries. Whether you love it or hate it, Undisputed Attitude is an album that demands attention and sparks conversation. It's a testament to Slayer's enduring legacy and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of metal.