Hey guys! Let's dive into a unique corner of Slayer's discography – their 1996 album, Undisputed Attitude. This record isn't your typical thrash metal assault; instead, it's a collection of punk and hardcore covers, along with a few original tracks penned in the same vein. It’s a fascinating detour that showcases the band's influences and offers a different perspective on their musical identity. So, grab your headphones, and let's explore what makes Undisputed Attitude such an interesting, and sometimes divisive, album in Slayer's catalog.

Why a Punk Album?

So, why would a band synonymous with intense thrash metal suddenly decide to release an album of punk covers? Well, the members of Slayer have always been vocal about their love for punk rock. Bands like Minor Threat, D.R.I., and The Stooges were formative influences, shaping their aggressive sound and rebellious attitude. Undisputed Attitude was a way for them to pay homage to these influences and show a different side of their musical personalities.

Think about it: the raw energy and aggression of punk rock aren't that far removed from the intensity of thrash metal. Both genres thrive on speed, power, and a certain disregard for conventional musical structures. Slayer's decision to cover punk songs wasn't a complete departure, but rather a way to explore the roots of their own sound. It allowed them to experiment with a different style while still maintaining the core elements that define their music.

Furthermore, Undisputed Attitude came at a time when Slayer might have been looking to shake things up a bit. The mid-90s were a period of change in the music industry, with alternative rock and grunge dominating the mainstream. While Slayer remained true to their thrash metal roots, exploring other genres could have been seen as a way to stay relevant and attract new listeners. Whatever the reason, the album provides a cool insight into the musical tastes of Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya and Paul Bostaph.

Track-by-Track: A Punk Rock Riot

Alright, let's get into the tracks themselves! Undisputed Attitude is a blend of covers from various punk and hardcore bands, along with three original songs written by Slayer specifically for this project. Here’s a breakdown of some key tracks:

• "Disintegration/Free Money" (D.R.I. cover): The album kicks off with a blistering cover of D.R.I.'s "Disintegration," immediately setting the tone for the punk rock assault to come. The transition into "Free Money" is seamless, showcasing Slayer's ability to capture the raw energy of the original while adding their signature aggression.
• "Verbal Abuse/Leeches" (Verbal Abuse cover): This medley is a whirlwind of fast tempos and angry vocals. Slayer perfectly captures the chaotic energy of Verbal Abuse, delivering a performance that's both faithful to the original and infused with their own intensity. The speed and precision on this track are insane!
• "I Hate You" (Verbal Abuse cover): Another Verbal Abuse cover, "I Hate You," is a short, sharp burst of pure aggression. Tom Araya's vocals are particularly vicious here, conveying the raw anger and frustration of the lyrics. It's a perfect example of how Slayer can take a punk song and make it even more intense.
• "Filler/I Don't Need You" (Minor Threat cover): Covering Minor Threat is a bold move, as they are one of the most influential hardcore bands of all time. Slayer's rendition of "Filler" is surprisingly faithful, capturing the band's raw energy and Ian MacKaye's distinctive vocal style. "I Don't Need You" keeps the energy high, solidifying the tribute to hardcore punk.
• "Guilty of Being White" (Minor Threat cover): This cover is probably the most controversial on the album. Slayer already received criticism for changing the lyrics to "Guilty of Being White" to "Guilty of Being Right" from the original Minor Threat version. The change sparked debate about the band's intentions and whether it was a sincere cover or a statement with potentially problematic undertones. Musically, the cover is solid, but the lyrical change continues to be a point of contention.
• "Can't Stand You" (Pap Smear): One of the original tracks on the album, "Can't Stand You," was written by Jeff Hanneman back in 1984. It's a short, fast, and undeniably catchy punk tune that fits perfectly alongside the covers. It highlights Hanneman's often overlooked songwriting ability and shows that Slayer could write convincing punk songs themselves.
• "Ddamm" (Pap Smear): Another original track from the Pap Smear sessions, "Ddamm" is another dose of high-energy punk rock. Its raw and unpolished sound captures the spirit of the early 80s punk scene, proving Slayer's deep understanding and appreciation for the genre.
• "Gemini" (Slayer original): The final track on the album is another Slayer original, "Gemini." It is a bit longer and more complex than the other original tracks, showcasing the band's ability to blend their thrash metal sensibilities with a punk rock framework. The song features some interesting guitar work and a more dynamic structure, making it a standout track on the album.

Reception and Legacy

Undisputed Attitude received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised Slayer for their energy and commitment to the punk rock covers, while others dismissed the album as a novelty or a misguided attempt to appeal to a wider audience. Many fans were also divided, with some appreciating the band's willingness to experiment and others preferring their more traditional thrash metal sound.

Despite the mixed reception, Undisputed Attitude has gained a cult following over the years. Many fans appreciate it as a fun and energetic side project that offers a glimpse into Slayer's musical influences. The album has also been praised for its raw production and the band's genuine enthusiasm for the material. While it may not be considered a classic Slayer album, Undisputed Attitude remains an interesting and unique entry in their discography.

Final Thoughts

Undisputed Attitude is undoubtedly a unique album in Slayer's career. It's a raw, energetic, and often controversial collection of punk and hardcore covers that offers a different perspective on the band's musical identity. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that it's a fascinating detour that showcases Slayer's versatility and their deep appreciation for the punk rock scene. So, if you're a Slayer fan looking for something a little different, or a punk rock fan curious to hear how one of the biggest thrash metal bands tackles the genre, give Undisputed Attitude a listen. You might be surprised by what you find!

What do you guys think about Undisputed Attitude? Do you consider it a fun side project or a misstep in Slayer's career? Let me know in the comments below!