Corrupted Salvation: A Descent into Chaos | Crooked Cross | Slayer

"Crooked Cross" is a song by American thrash metal band Slayer, released in 1984 on their album "Reign in Blood". The song's lyrics are often interpreted as a critique of organized religion, specifically Christianity.

The song's title refers to the Christian cross, but rather than being a symbol of redemption and salvation, the cross in this context is depicted as twisted and corrupted. The lyrics describe a world where religious fervor has led to violence, oppression, and chaos. The song's opening lines, "Holy war, holy hell / Holy men with holy hell", set the tone for the rest of the track.

The song's music is characteristic of Slayer's early work, featuring fast-paced rhythms, aggressive riffs, and intense drumming. The guitar work on "Crooked Cross" is particularly notable, with Kerry King's lead playing adding a layer of complexity to the song's overall structure.

Despite its provocative lyrics, "Crooked Cross" has been praised for its musical prowess and is often cited as one of Slayer's standout tracks from their early period. The song has also been influential in the development of thrash metal and extreme music as a whole.

Throughout the song, Tom Araya's vocals are characterized by his distinctive growl, which adds to the track's sense of urgency and intensity. The lyrics themselves are often abstract and open to interpretation, allowing listeners to draw their own conclusions about the themes and messages presented in the song.

Overall, "Crooked Cross" is a seminal track in Slayer's discography, showcasing the band's technical proficiency and their ability to craft songs that are both aggressive and thought-provoking.