Slayer--South of Heaven (1988)
Rating--8.2
The low-E and bass drum bulldozer known as Slayer continues its assault on the metal world with this dark release from '88.
'South of Heaven' slows the pace down a bit from the band's earlier efforts, beckoning back to the heaviest days of
Sabbath at times. However, it still provides enough atmospheric and headbanging fare to satisfy the
roughest of mosh pits.
Intricate guitar work starts to show up in places on this disc, though it won't reach a peak until the
following release. The vocals remain both strong and distinguisable, which is one of the main reasons Slayer had risen to the top
of the "underground" death/thrash scene of the time.
Highlights include "Live Undead," "Behind the Crooked Cross,"
"Mandatory Suicide," "Cleanse the Soul," "Spill the Blood," and the title song.
HOT CHOPS: Of note is the band's cover of Judas Priest's "Dissident Aggressor"; a commendable
job. The album is also strewn with heavy-laden riffs, with those of the title song, "Crooked Cross," and "Mandatory Suicide"
being among the best.
TRACK LIST: South of Heaven/Silent Scream/Live Undead/Behind the Crooked Cross/Mandatory Suicide/Ghosts of War/Read Between the Eyes/Cleanse the Soul/Dissident Aggressor/Spill the Blood
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