Show No Mercy is the debut studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer, released in December 1983 by Metal Blade Records. Brian Slagel signed the band to the label after watching them perform an Iron Maiden cover. 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.
Jeremy Ulrey of AllMusic characterized the sound on Show No Mercy as "basically amounting to a cleaned-up version of black metal stalwarts Venom." The album's lyrics explore themes including Satanism.[3]
Although the band did not have enough time to sell any records while touring,[5] the album became Metal Blade Records' highest selling release.[2] 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.[2] The success of the album led to Slagel wanting the band to release a new record and an EP.[2]
Not a huge music history buff but that is the joy of scrolling Xikipedia learning history i otherwise would search for on my own.
The album cover is really disturbing and they had songs about Satin. Yeah this would be a NO for me but I know metal heads like this band. And now I know a little more about them.
We learn everyday and today I just learnt about thrash metal, I know of heavy metal as a genre of music.
Slayer’s early days are a great example of how much underground bands had to hustle before they became legends. Self-financing an album and touring like that takes serious dedication.