Slayer

This is it: the single most important metal record of the past few decades. Brutality, ferocity, wholesale mayhem -- the English language fails Reign In Blood. The real way to experience this high speed rallying cry for all that's metal in this world is to listen to it wearing a suit made from the skin of your enemies.

I'm not about to check out the complete works of Venom to make sure you can't do better, but anyone who wants to know what gets Washington ladies hot should steal, tape, or purchase this piece of speed satanism quote unquote. Rick Rubin focused, CBS passed, guitar's quicker than a theremin on reverb, and "Jesus Saves" mauls the enemy. Who ain't Jesus--or, damn right, Satan either. (Grade: B+)