Well it's interesting that I got to some serious trash metal after long years of listening to all kinds but heavy music.
The only heavier stuff I played time from time since say 96 might be Fear Factory, Pantera, Pro Pain or Brujeria when I was in the mood.
After I got multiply recommended Slayer I actually started to listen to their stuff a couple months ago.
As for the bands that can be compared I never happened to be a big fan of early Metallica - although the music is surely extremely intense I never found a real relation to it and can hardly stand any of their albums in one piece not to get irritated with it.
Slayer is a bit of a different episode - since I knew only "Seasons in the Abyss" I was am only very pleased how consistent they are to deliver their very unique heavy style, I can't find any dissapointment so far, the old dog digs it and the music is something I was desperately missing as a teenager.
This band has something more in it than the majority of trash or heavier bands I have a chance to listen to time from time, who usually seem to try to substitute any essence of theme / concept / invention / compositions by simply playing fast and loud and overdedication. It's strong riffs and extremely intense attitude.
Slayer is a band its instrumentals are far from being boring or repetitive, the King / Hanneman double guitar attack is something like Downing / Tipton on speed, figures worthy listening and there's no doubt they have their place in the Guitar player magazine, backed by Arraya putting his bass together with the exceptional work of Dave Lombardo on drums.
"Still Reigning" (1986) usually crowned to be the top album of the trash movement is beeing played here live and it's more than a justice to the record.
Where to go next,
Other recommended DVD's ?
Bands to check out?
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Sb-DTrMG4vs