The sold out Warfield Theatre in the heart of San Francisco was the setting for Slayer's return after the death of Tom Araya's father. Opening for Slayer were two of the Hardcore music scenes finest: Die Cast and "tough guy" band Hatebreed. Die Cast played to a surprisingly accepting crowd despite their lackluster vocals. Hatebreed, the pride and joy of Connecticut's Hardcore scene, and beloved by all who embrace the genre, KICKED ASS. I marveled at the constant intensity and furver with which they play. I mean non-stop hardcore riffs and throaty growls that sent the crowd into a moshing frenzy. Hatebreed gave several shout outs to "the original gods of Metal," SLAYER.

SLAYER's set, dark and mysterious, their trademark, sent shivers down the spines of all of the fans. Is it me or are SLAYER's fans the most dedicated fans in the business? WHile Darkness of Christ played over the sound system, 99% of the crowd screamed "SLAYER...SLAYER!" Amidst flashing rays of white and yellow, the gods of metal arrived on stage and jumped into "DISCIPLE." Tom''s voice seemed a bit hoarse, although the acoustics at the Warfield helped him out as SLAYER sounded unbelievably clear. This is my 5th time seeing them in concert and definitely one of the best sounding shows. In between playing SLAYER classics such as "MANDATORY SUICIDE" and taking us back to Haunting the Chapel with "CAPTOR OF SIN," Kerry and Co. belted out a tribute to Osama Bin Laden with "PAYBACK" and "GOD SEND DEATH." I have seen SLAYER fans scream along to the lyrics before, but never with such vengence! It was fucking amazing! A few songs which I have never heard live such as "POSTMORTEM" and "ALTAR OF SACRIFICE" were definitly embraced. And of course there's always "CHEMICAL WARFARE!!!!!!" When SLAYER finished their set with "RAINING BLOOD" everyone knew it wasn't over beacuse they hadn't played the two songs which all SLAYER fans know and love: "SOUTH OF HEAVEN" and the closer "ANGEL OF DEATH." After the encore Dave Lombardo came out from behind the kit and received a standing ovation. This was a show not to miss. If you did it's too bad. Next time SLAYER plays the WARFIELD, get off your ass and find some way to score a ticket!