Episode 203 - South of Heaven by Slayer
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We always coming out swinging with something BIG after Xmas and this year is no exception as we talk about South of Heaven by Slayer.
What is there to say about Slayer that hasn’t already been said? Formed in 1981, it goes without saying that they’re one of the most important metal bands of all time. The “Big 4” of thrash were called that for a reason, and it’s about more than just their rise to fame. Their influence is legion but Slayer’s sound had a massive influence on extreme metal. It arguably began with them, after all.
A band for almost 40 years, they released 12 albums all without every really altering their sound in any huge way. This album though, the middle one of three records that would later be classed as their “peak”, was perhaps the most “experimental” of any of their work. After the unholy fury and speed of Reign in Blood the band made the decision to slow things right down on South of Heaven and saw them take their songwriting in a whole different direction. After this record, they’d go on to record Seasons in the Abyss which would combine the approach of Reign in Blood and South of Heaven. The result being three albums that simply defined their legacy.
In this episode we chat about the band’s entire legacy including the lyrics, the controversy, the death, the drink and the huge influence they had on metal.
Oh, and this episode is almost 2 hours long. So grab a six pack of beer and tune in.
Is this their unsung classic? You decide.