Show No Mercy is the debut studio album by the thrash metal band Slayer, released in December 1983, by Metal Blade Records. Brian Slagel signed the band to the label after watching them perform the song Phantom of the Opera by Iron Maiden. The band self financed their full length debut, combining the savings of vocalist Tom Araya, who was employed as a respiratory therapist, and money borrowed from guitarist Kerry King‘s father. Touring extensively promoting the album, the band brought close friends and family members along the trip, who helped backstage with lighting and sound. Although the album was criticized for its poor production quality, it became Metal Blade’s highest selling release, producing the songs The Antichrist, Die by the Sword and Black Magic, which were played at Slayer‘s live shows regularly.
Slayer was the opening act for Bitch at the Woodstock Club in Los Angeles, performing eight songs (six being covers). While performing an Iron Maiden cover, the band was spotted by Brian Slagel, a former music journalist who had recently founded Metal Blade Records. Slagel met with the band backstage and asked if they would like to be featured on the label’s upcoming Metal Massacre III compilation; the band agreed. The band’s appearance on the compilation created underground buzz, which led to Slagel signing the band with Metal Blade Records. Recorded in Los Angeles, California, Show No Mercy was financed by vocalist Tom Araya, who used his earnings as a respiratory therapist, and money borrowed from guitarist Kerry King‘s father. King says the album is “fuckin’ Iron Maiden here and there”. Vocalist Araya asserts Venom, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Mercyful Fate were big influences on the record, as guitarist King was into the Satanic image.
The band used Satanic themes in both lyrics and live performances to gain notice among the metal community. The back cover featured ‘side 666‘ and inverted crosses, with Hanneman playing his guitar. Due to the imagery and lyrical content, Slayer received mail from the Parents Music Resource Center telling the band to stop releasing records. Araya comments, “Back then you had that PMRC, who literally took everything to heart. When in actuality you’re trying to create an image. You’re trying to scare people on purpose.” The album produced the songs The Antichrist, Die by the Sword, and Black Magic, which were played at Slayer‘s live shows regularly. The album became Metal Blade Records‘ highest selling release. Five thousand copies was the label’s average. Show No Mercy went on to sell between 15,500 and 20,000 copies in the United States; it also went on to sell more than 15,000 overseas, as Metal Blade had worldwide rights. The success of the album led to Slagel wanting the band to release a new record and an extended play.
Tracklist:
- Evil Has No Boundaries
- The Antichrist
- Die by the Sword
- Fight till Death
- Metal Storm / Face the Slayer
- Black Magic
- Tormentor
- The Final Command
- Crionics
- Show No Mercy
Slayer
Tom Araya: bass, vocals
Kerry King: guitars
Jeff Hanneman: guitars
Dave Lombardo: drums
Production
Brian Slagel: executive production
Bill Metoyer: engineering, mixing
