Slayer, the legendary American thrash metal band, unleashed their eighth studio album, "Diabolus In Musica," on June 9, 1998, under American Recordings Catalog P&D. The album, titled after the Latin phrase for "The Devil in Music" or tritone, a dissonant musical interval, is a 40-minute journey through a blend of thrash, speed, heavy, groove, and death metal genres. With eleven tracks, including "Bitter Peace," "Death's Head," and "Desire," the album showcases Slayer's signature aggressive sound while incorporating elements of the nu-metal and modern extreme metal styles that were prevalent at the time.
"Diabolus In Musica" marked a bold chapter in Slayer's history, with the band embarking on the "Diabolus on Tour," which spanned 21 countries. Despite its commercial success and the band's extensive touring, the album has been a subject of debate among fans and critics. Some appreciate its fusion of styles and the band's willingness to experiment, while others argue that it strays from the classic Slayer sound. Even the band members have admitted that they weren't entirely satisfied with the album during its creation.
The album's production has also been criticized for its sound quality, which some argue falls between the nu-metal groove and modern extreme metal. However, this hasn't deterred fans from exploring the album's tracks, which are available on platforms like Spotify. Whether you're a die-hard Slayer fan or a newcomer to their music, "Diabolus In Musica" offers a unique perspective on the band's evolution and their impact on the metal genre.