This is the second time I've seen Slayer in the past eighteen months, and on both occasions the band have given the impression that they're now just going through the motions, waiting for the day that they can finally retire. Last night at B'ham, we heard a handfull of songs from their recent lacklustre albums (they've been pretty uncreative since Divine Intervention, in all honesty) and of course all the classics - played with just enough energy to make you realize how damn good this band used to be, but with the all the enthusiasm of a band which is either contractually obliged to still be playing gigs, or is just plain short of cash.
I don't expect I'll see Slayer live again in my lifetime - because I'm as sure as hell that Slayer don't have the desire to be returning to the studio to make another album, followed by a world tour of not-quite-sold-out night clubs.
Still, songs like Raining Blood, Hell Awaits, and Silent Scream will always be some of the best Metal songs ever written, and it's always great to hear them.