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A live recording released to the public as a full album are one of those things that you either love or hate. As often as I have been disappointed with the production and/or quality of a live release, I still seem to be a sucker for them. I own a few, including material from Slayer, Pantera, Sepultura, and Circle Jerks All are decent enough, but one far exceeds my excitement level and expectations each and every time I listen to it.

Slayer‘s Decade of Aggression, originally released in 1991 during their “Seasons in the Abyss” tour, is 2 discs full of the band in their prime and includes all of your favorite songs:

• Hell Awaits
• The Anti-Christ
• War Ensemble
• South Of Heaven
• Raining Blood
• Altar Of Sacrifice
• Jesus Saves
• Dead Skin Mask
• Seasons In The Abyss
• Mandatory Suicide
• Angel Of Death
• Hallowed Point
• Blood Red
• Die By The Sword
• Black Magic
• Captor Of Sin
• Born On Fire
• Postmortem
• Spirit in Black
• Expendable Youth
• Chemical Warfare

Tom Araya’s commentary is kept to a minimum between tracks. There is the cheesey “We’re hear to help each other out” speech right before the band tears into “War Ensemble,” but for the most part, it’s just balls to the wall Slayer. Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman shred on guitars with amazing speed and technicality while Dave Lombardo beats the living hell out of his drums.

So, with that said, I’ve made my case for the best live album ever. What’s yours?