Slayer South Of Heaven CD (Jewel Case, 1988, Universal)

Few albums in heavy metal history have demonstrated artistic confidence quite like South Of Heaven. Released in 1988, Slayer's fourth studio album saw the thrash metal pioneers deliberately slow the relentless pace established on Reign In Blood, replacing all-out speed with crushing atmosphere, darker dynamics and some of the heaviest riffs ever committed to tape. The result is an album that remains one of the defining releases of both thrash metal and extreme music.

Following the overwhelming success of Reign In Blood, many fans expected Slayer to simply push the intensity even further. Instead, the band took a bold creative direction. Guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman crafted slower, more ominous riffs, while Tom Araya's vocals became more restrained and menacing. Dave Lombardo's drumming remained devastatingly powerful, proving that heaviness isn't measured by speed alone.

The album features some of Slayer's most enduring songs, including the iconic title track "South Of Heaven," the crushing "Mandatory Suicide," the blistering "Silent Scream," "Ghosts Of War," and the band's unforgettable interpretation of Judas Priest's classic "Dissident Aggressor." Together, they showcase a band expanding its songwriting while maintaining the aggression and darkness that made Slayer one of the most influential acts in heavy metal.

Produced once again by Rick Rubin, South Of Heaven delivers exceptional clarity without sacrificing the raw power that defines Slayer's sound. The balance between crushing guitar tone, thunderous rhythm section and razor-sharp production has made it one of the benchmark recordings in thrash metal history.

South Of Heaven showcases Slayer at their most controlled, atmospheric and devastating. By slowing the tempo while increasing the intensity, the band created a timeless metal classic that remains as powerful today as it was upon release. More than three decades after its release, South Of Heaven continues to influence countless thrash, death, black and extreme metal bands around the world. It stands as an essential chapter in Slayer's legendary catalogue and remains a must-own album for every serious heavy metal collection.

Supplied in a classic jewel case edition, this CD is an outstanding addition for collectors, longtime Slayer fans and anyone exploring one of the most influential thrash metal albums ever recorded.

Recommended if you like: Testament, Exodus, Megadeth, Overkill, Kreator, Anthrax, Dark Angel, Death Angel, Sepultura, Municipal Waste

Artist: Slayer
Release Title: South Of Heaven
Label: American/Universal
Catalogue Number: 3735226
UPC: 602537352265
Duration: Album
Year: 1988
Product Type: CD
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Factory Sealed

Tracklist:
1. South of Heaven
2. Silent Scream
3. Live Undead
4. Behind the Crooked Cross
5. Mandatory Suicide
6. Ghosts of War
7. Read Between the Lies
8. Cleanse the Soul
9. Dissident Aggressor
10. Spill the Blood