10 Years Ago Today: Slayer Released Their Last Studio Album ‘Repentless’
A decade has passed since the release of Slayer’s final studio album, ‘Repentless’. Released on September 11, 2015, the album marked the end of an era for the thrash metal legends. Coming after turbulent times and the loss of co-founder Jeff Hanneman in 2013, ‘Repentless’ was the band’s first album on Nuclear Blast, in contrast to their long-standing affiliation with American Recordings.
The production of ‘Repentless’ was a poignant journey for the band, with drummer Paul Bostaph returning to the fold and Terry Date taking on production duties. Recorded at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles over several months, the album features a blend of Hanneman’s legacy and new material from Kerry King. Despite the challenges they faced, the end product was a concise, 41:57-minute classic thrash metal record.
The album’s rollout was a deliberate buildup to its release. From the release of “Implode” as a free download to the Record Store Day single “When the Stillness Comes,” fans were given glimpses of what was to come. The title track, ‘Repentless,’ captured the essence of the album in a graphic music video that set the tone for the record. The subsequent trilogy of videos by BJ McDonnell further enriched the narrative of the album, leading up to the 2019 release ‘Slayer: The Repentless Killogy’.
‘Repentless’ received critical acclaim for staying true to Slayer’s signature sound while injecting themes of grief and resilience. Kerry King’s tribute to Hanneman through the title track resonated with fans, who appreciated the band’s commitment to their musical roots. Commercially, the album was a success, debuting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and achieving top chart positions across several international markets.
Retiring from touring in 2018, Slayer made a strong return to the stage in 2025, playing a series of high-profile concerts. From headlining major venues in the UK and Canada to upcoming shows in the US, the band has shown no signs of slowing down. Despite their legacy and age, Slayer continues to uphold their status as one of metal’s enduring legends, captivating audiences with their timeless music and electrifying performances.