Slayer - “Dead Skin Mask” (REACTION)

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Richard and Judson of Great Measures dive into Slayer's iconic song 'Dead Skin Mask.' They discuss the song’s dark themes, exploring its portrayal of a serial killer, and reflect on the band’s music, comparing it to other rock acts like AC/DC. Their analysis touches on the song’s intense guitars, the disjointedness of the guitar solos, and the band's overall sound, with a special focus on the unique production by Rick Rubin. While discussing the lyrical content, they humorously question the authenticity behind the lyrics but ultimately appreciate Slayer’s straightforward and powerful approach to metal music.

Takeaways

• 😀 The discussion focuses on the song 'Dead Skin Mask' by Slayer, with Richard and Judson analyzing the music, lyrics, and overall vibe of the track.
• 😀 Richard points out that Slayer's music evokes a different emotional response than other bands like Sleep Token, especially through its intensity and heavy rock feel.
• 😀 The song's subject matter, focused on serial killing, is highlighted, with both hosts noting the irony of singing about it without having experienced it personally.
• 😀 The hosts appreciate the production quality of the song, particularly the work of producer Rick Rubin, who worked on several Slayer albums, including this one.
• 😀 Richard and Judson discuss the impact of the guitars, with special mention of the tone and interplay between the guitarists, which enhances the overall feel of the track.
• 😀 The vocals are praised for their raw, straightforward delivery, with Richard emphasizing their fitting simplicity and lack of over-the-top theatrics.
• 😀 Judson expresses a preference for more introspective lyrics, although he still enjoys Slayer’s focus on darker themes, even if they may seem detached from real-life experiences.
• 😀 The hosts compare Slayer to other metal bands, particularly highlighting how Slayer maintains a cohesive sound with no distractions from the music, unlike some bands like Megadeth.
• 😀 Richard makes a humorous observation about the lyrical content, especially the imagery in lines like 'grace the skin with my fingertips,' contrasting it with the reality of the band members' lives.
• 😀 The hosts reflect on how metal music, including Slayer’s work, has been misrepresented as satanic or harmful, but now, as musicians, they see it as a form of creative expression and performance.
• 😀 Richard and Judson conclude with a positive note, praising Slayer for their consistency in delivering high-quality, enjoyable music that resonates with fans, regardless of the darker subject matter.

Q & A

What is the song 'Dead Skin Mask' by Slayer about?

The song 'Dead Skin Mask' by Slayer is about a serial killer. It explores dark themes, reflecting on the twisted mindset of a murderer and the emotions tied to such violence.

Why does Judson compare Slayer to AC/DC?

Judson compares Slayer to AC/DC because both bands deliver music that is straightforward and pleasing to listen to, without anything getting in the way of the experience. Both bands have a consistency in their style and tone.

What part of the song 'Dead Skin Mask' does Richard particularly enjoy?

Richard enjoys the very beginning of the song, specifically the introduction where the bass drum and other elements are introduced. He also appreciates the vocals, which he finds not overdone, fitting well with the band's style.

What does Richard think about the guitar solos in Slayer's music?

Richard finds the guitar solos in Slayer's music to be a bit piercing and musically disjointed. He feels that while the solos are intense, they lack a distinct identity that could tie them more cohesively to the song.

How does Judson feel about the emotion conveyed by Slayer compared to Sleep Token?

Judson feels that Slayer's music brings out a much stronger emotion and feeling compared to Sleep Token. He enjoys the rawness and heaviness of Slayer's music, which resonates with him more than Sleep Token's style.

What does Judson say about the vocal style of Slayer?

Judson enjoys the vocal style of Slayer, appreciating the rawness and intensity of the vocals. He likes how the vocals are straightforward and fit perfectly with the band's overall formula, adding to the heaviness of the music.

What is Richard's opinion on the production of Slayer's music?

Richard praises the production of Slayer's music, particularly the mix and quality of the sound. He mentions that despite being from the 90s, the production still feels fresh and relevant, with well-balanced instruments and strong guitar tones.

Why does Richard laugh during the discussion of the lyrics?

Richard laughs because he finds it humorous that the band is singing about things they haven't personally experienced, such as peeling someone's face off. He acknowledges that while it might be dark and intense, the band is just speculating and putting themselves into the mindset of a killer.

What is Richard's view on the effect of metal music on listeners, particularly regarding violent lyrics?

Richard reflects on the misconception that metal music promotes violent behavior, noting that many people associate the dark subject matter with the actual behavior of the musicians. He argues that metal is often misunderstood and that listeners should be educated properly about the art form.

How does Richard view Slayer compared to other metal bands like Megadeth?

Richard prefers Slayer over other metal bands like Megadeth because he feels that Slayer's music is more consistent and does not have anything that gets in the way of the listening experience, unlike Megadeth, where he finds certain elements, like the vocalist's style, can detract from the music.