South of Heaven is the 4th studio album by Slayer. It doesn’t have the same energy as the previous album Reign in Blood. But then again, there are very few album out there to have that kind of energy level. But it’s unfair to compare the two albums for several reasons. The songs are about other topics than Satanism and those early themes. Which they did just to f**k with people. At least according to Tom Araya.
South of Heaven might not be as furious when it comes to tempo. But the songs are great and very well written. Music-wise, this is mostly from Jeff Hanneman creativeness. Kerry King has contributed as well and the lyrics are mainly written by Tom Araya. The Satanism is replaced by social commentary. I won’t claim that I really understand it all, or even that Iäve paid close attention to it when I’ve listened to South of Heaven of the years. But when you think about it, it’s kind of obvious.
Dave Lombardo, who had quit the band after Reign in Blood returns to do a masterclass of drumming on this album. The drums are placed in the foreground of the sound image and that is where then belong when you have a drummer as talented as Lombardo. The guitars are a little further back compared to the earlier albums. But…on the other hand there are a few of the typical harmonic lines that really defines the Slayer sound.
Rick Rubin produces again and Tom Araya actually sings a bit on this album. Not the high pitch scream singing as he tried on Show No Mercy or Hell Awaits. This is a more controlled attempt. You can have opinions about this of course. I find it very suiting to the music even if I also like the real aggressive vocal on som of the earlier (at later) songs. I don’t think one technique should eliminate the other.
I’ve often criticized, or complained, over the fact the Reign in Blood is only 28 minutes long. But when check the lengths of South of Heaven, it isn’t much more really. it clocks in on about 36 minutes. So it’s obviously more minutes of music but not that much more. But back in those days a normal length album was about 40-45 minutes so I guess it doesn’t fall that short. Only a few bands really pushed the limit of what could fit on a vinyl record, Slayer wasn’t on of them.
There’s certainly classics here, the title track and it’s charismatic intro of course. But also Mandatory Suicide which a favorite of mine. Oh, and there’s a Judas Priest cover on here as well – Dissident Aggressor.
