SLAYER — Divine Intervention (review)

SLAYER — Divine Intervention album cover Album · 1994 · Thrash Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
Unitron
Slayer - Divine Intervention

'Divine Intervention' is the sixth studio album from thrash metal band Slayer. By 1994, Grunge had taken over and Korn was releasing their debut album and both would leave an impact on the metal scene. As far as the thrash world goes, many thrash bands were switching to a groove sound like Anthrax, Overkill, Voivod, Forbidden, among others. However, among all this going on, Slayer continued on with their own sound with what I believe to be a highly underrated album in their discography.

Instead of making a drastic change, Slayer made what feels like a natural progression from 'Seasons of the Abyss'. The album opens up with the chaotic 'Killing Fields', with the combination of Paul Bostaph's barrage of double-bass drumming and the dark descending guitar that sound like it's announcing the coming of an apocalypse. The song shows a nice speed progression, beginning with a slower paced start before gradually getting much faster. After that, rolling drums and dark dwindling guitar immediately open up 'Sex. Murder. Art.', which is very short yet packing as much punch as the very short songs on 'Reign in Blood'. The third song, 'Fictional Reality' is probably my favorite from the album, and I find it impossible to not headbang and follow along to the lyrics of "Treachery, misery, violence, insanity. Scavengers closing in, Covering the truth again. Castrate society, Fictional reality". It's simply an incredibly addicting song.

While the aforementioned songs may sound like standard Slayer fare, they do mix some new additions into the sound. One of the songs that stands out the most is 'Serenity in Murder' which has Araya singing melodically at times, and actually somewhat reminds me of Chris Cornell of Soundgarden.

The main criticism about the album seems to be with the production, which I've honestly never had a problem with. It's a very organic yet raw sounding production, and I actually really like the sort of muffled tone. I think it really increases the effect.

Overall, I honestly find this album to be on par with Slayer's masterpiece trilogy 'Reign in Blood', 'South of Heaven', and 'Seasons in the Abyss'. In a year where many bands were changing their sound to fit the era, Slayer stayed true to their own sound while adding a bit of variation. Hope you found this review helpful.

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Unitron wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Perhaps it is a bit of a stretch, but I find pretty much just as much enjoyment from this one as I do the previous three. However, critically, it's probably not in the same league. It sure is a headbanger!
Vim Fuego wrote:
more than 2 years ago
It's a big call saying it's up there with then previous three albums. I honestly don't think it stacks up.
Kingcrimsonprog wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Very underrated. Banger of an album :)

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