SLAYER Haunting of the Chapel USA 12" LP Album Gallery & Information #Slayer #vinylrecords

Album Summary:

"Haunting the Chapel" is an EP released by the thrash metal band Slayer in 1984 through Metal Blade and Enigma Records. Slayer's debut album "Show No Mercy" became Metal Blade's highest selling, leading to producer Brian Slagel wanting to release an EP. Recorded in Hollywood the recording process proved difficult when recording drums in a studio without carpet, although it resulted in drummer Dave Lombardo meeting Gene Hoglan who was to become an influence in his drumming style and speed. However Hoglan said he gave him a bunch of tips and never really gave him lessons, he was influenced by Slayer too.

Although originally featuring three songs, the record evidences a marked evolution from the style of their previous album, Show No Mercy, and is considered the first demonstration of the band's "classic" style displayed on later albums and is often described as a "stepping stone." The songs "Captor of Sin" and "Chemical Warfare" are regularly featured on the band's live set list. "Chemical Warfare" appears in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.

Music Genre:

Thrash Metal Music

Collector's info:

Rare 12" EP with 3 tracks , Lyrics of all the songs by Slayer are printed on the back of the album cover.

Album Production:

Brian Slagel.

Brian Slagel is an influential figure in the world of heavy metal music. Born on 17 February 1961, in Los Angeles, California, Slagel developed a deep passion for music at an early age. Growing up in the music scene of the 1970s and 1980s, he played an instrumental role in shaping the landscape of heavy metal as we know it today.

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In his teenage years, Slagel immersed himself in the thriving metal scene of Los Angeles. He attended numerous concerts and built a vast network of connections with musicians, fans, and industry professionals. Recognizing the immense talent around him, Slagel decided to channel his passion into something more substantial.

In 1982, at the age of 21, Slagel founded Metal Blade Records in his small apartment. The label began as a means to support and promote local metal bands who were struggling to secure record deals. Slagel's vision was to create a platform where these talented artists could showcase their music and gain wider recognition.

Metal Blade Records released its first compilation album, "Metal Massacre", in 1982. The album featured now-legendary bands such as Metallica, Ratt, and Slayer, among others. This groundbreaking release played a significant role in catapulting Metal Blade Records and its roster of artists into the spotlight.

As the label continued to grow, Slagel nurtured and signed a multitude of influential bands, including Mercyful Fate , Cannibal Corpse, Gwar, and Armored Saint , to name just a few. His keen ear for talent and unwavering support for the genre helped Metal Blade Records become one of the most successful independent labels in the music industry.

Throughout his career, Slagel remained committed to preserving the authenticity and integrity of heavy metal music. While other labels veered towards more commercial sounds, Slagel stayed true to his roots, signing and promoting bands that embodied the spirit of the genre. He played a crucial role in the rise of the thrash metal movement, which had a profound impact on the music industry and inspired countless musicians.

In addition to his work as a label owner, Slagel has also served as a producer, working on albums for bands like Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble. His deep understanding of the genre and his ability to bring out the best in artists allowed him to make significant contributions to their musical journeys.

Over the years, Brian Slagel's contributions to heavy metal have been widely recognized and celebrated. In 2010, he received the "Lifetime Achievement" award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods ceremony. His dedication to the genre has left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing generations of metal musicians and fans alike.

Today, Metal Blade Records continues to thrive under Slagel's guidance. His passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of heavy metal have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the genre. Brian Slagel's story is a testament to the transformative power of music and the immense impact that one person can have on an entire cultural movement.

In 1982, Slagel organized the release of a compilation album, featuring all local Los Angeles metal bands, called The New Heavy Metal Revue Presents Metal Massacre. The album featured the first recordings of Ratt, Steeler, Black 'n Blue, Malice, Avatar, Cirith Ungol, Bitch and Metallica.

Sound/Recording engineer: Bill Metoyer, recorded at Track Records

Bill Metoyer a well-known American music producer and sound engineer who has worked in the heavy metal genre. He has produced and engineered albums for a number of notable heavy metal bands, including Slayer, Armored Saint, and Cryptic Slaughter.

Metoyer is known for his expertise in capturing the raw energy and intensity of heavy metal music, and for his ability to bring out the best in the bands he works with. His work has helped to define the sound of heavy metal and has had a significant impact on the genre.

In addition to his production and engineering work, Metoyer has also been involved in other aspects of the music industry, including music education and artist development. He is highly regarded by musicians and fans alike for his contributions to the heavy metal genre, and continues to be an influential figure in the world of heavy metal music.during the 1980s he was Vice-President and in-house sound-engineer of Metal Blade Records. As such he has produced and taken care of the sound of many Heavy Metal bands. Most notable: Flotsam and Jetsam, Fates Warning, Helstar, Savage Grace, Tyrant, Slayer, Trouble, Sacred Reich, Armored Saint, Atrophy, Abattoir, Bitch, D.R.I, Dark Angel, Cryptic Slaughter, Lääz Rockit, Morbid Angel, Omen, Lizzy Borden, Mentors and many others.

Record Label: Metal Blade Records MBR 1024 / 71083 , Marketed by Restless Records

Record Media Format 12" Vinyl EP Record

Year & Country:

1984 Made in USA

Band Members and Musicians on: Slayer Haunting of the Chapel

Tom Araya - Vocals, Bass

Tom Araya, born Tomás Enrique Araya Díaz on 6 June 1961, in Viña del Mar, Chile, is a prominent figure in the world of heavy metal music. As the lead vocalist and bass guitar player of the American thrash metal band "Slayer", Araya has made significant contributions to the genre and has left an indelible mark on the metal community.

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Araya's passion for music began at an early age. Growing up in a musical household, he was exposed to a variety of genres, including traditional Latin music. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the music industry.

In his teenage years, Araya joined a band called "Tradewinds". Although their success was limited, this experience served as a stepping stone for Araya's musical journey. Little did he know that his path would soon intersect with other talented musicians, giving rise to one of the most influential thrash metal bands of all time.

In 1981, Araya became a founding member of "Slayer", alongside guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, as well as drummer Dave Lombardo. The band quickly gained recognition for their aggressive and fast-paced sound, characterized by intricate guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and Araya's distinctive vocals.

With Araya at the helm, Slayer released a series of groundbreaking albums that solidified their status as pioneers of the thrash metal genre. Their debut album, "Show No Mercy" (1983), showcased their raw energy and set the stage for their subsequent releases, including "Reign in Blood" (1986), "South of Heaven" (1988), and "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990). These albums pushed the boundaries of heavy metal and influenced countless bands in the years to come.

Tom Araya's contributions to Slayer extended beyond his vocal and bass guitar skills. He was also involved in the songwriting process, co-writing some of the band's most memorable songs. His lyrical themes often explored controversial and dark subjects, including warfare, religion, and serial killers, reflecting the band's confrontational and provocative approach.

Over the course of Slayer's career, they achieved considerable success, earning multiple Grammy nominations and selling millions of albums worldwide. They toured extensively, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and contributing to the band's legendary status.

In 2018, after nearly four decades of influencing the metal scene, Slayer announced their farewell tour, signaling the end of an era. The band performed their final show in November 2019, leaving a lasting impact on the metal community and cementing their place in heavy metal history.

Tom Araya's tenure in Slayer spanned over three decades, making him one of the longest-standing members of the band. His distinctive voice, formidable bass playing, and stage presence contributed significantly to Slayer's success and helped shape the sound of thrash metal.

Beyond his work with Slayer, Araya has also collaborated with other artists and contributed guest vocals on various projects. While the future of his musical career remains uncertain, there is no doubt that Tom Araya's contributions to heavy metal will continue to be celebrated and appreciated by generations of metal fans worldwide.
Jeff Hanneman - Guitar

Jeffrey John Hanneman, known widely as Jeff Hanneman, was born on 31 January 1964, in Oakland, California. He was a renowned musician and founding member of the American Thrash Metal band, Slayer. Hanneman's contributions to the band as a guitarist and songwriter played a crucial role in shaping Slayer's distinct sound and establishing them as one of the most influential bands in the genre.

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From an early age, Hanneman showed a deep passion for music. He began playing the guitar as a teenager, heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and punk rock movements. In 1981, along with Kerry King, Tom Araya, and Dave Lombardo, Hanneman formed Slayer in Huntington Park, California. The band quickly gained recognition for their aggressive style, combining elements of speed, intensity, and dark lyrical themes.

As Slayer's lead and rhythm guitarist, Hanneman played a vital role in defining the band's signature sound. His riffs and solos showcased his technical prowess and creativity, contributing to the band's success in the thrash metal scene. Alongside Kerry King, the duo formed a formidable guitar partnership, creating some of metal's most iconic guitar harmonies and blistering solos.

Throughout his career with Slayer, Hanneman co-wrote many of the band's classic songs, including "Raining Blood," "Angel of Death," "South of Heaven," and "War Ensemble." These tracks, characterized by their aggressive energy, complex structures, and dark themes, solidified Slayer's reputation as pioneers of extreme metal.

In addition to his musical talent, Hanneman was known for his distinctive stage presence. With his long hair, signature bandanas, and leather attire, he embodied the essence of a thrash metal guitarist. His fierce and intense performances captivated audiences around the world, further elevating Slayer's status as one of the most revered live acts in the metal scene.

Tragically, in early 2011, Hanneman contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a rare flesh-eating disease, from a spider bite. The infection severely affected his health and led to his absence from Slayer's touring activities. Despite his condition, Hanneman continued to contribute to the band's music and songwriting.

On 2 May 2013, Jeff Hanneman passed away at the age of 49 due to liver failure in a Southern California hospital. His death sent shockwaves through the metal community, as fans and fellow musicians mourned the loss of a true metal legend. Hanneman's impact on the genre and his contributions to Slayer's discography continue to resonate with fans, inspiring countless musicians and shaping the future of thrash metal.

Jeff Hanneman's legacy lives on through his music, which remains a testament to his extraordinary talent and creativity. His influence on the world of metal, both as a guitarist and songwriter, is immeasurable, and he will always be remembered as an integral part of Slayer's monumental journey.
Kerry King - Guitars

Kerry King (real-name: Kerry Ray King) , born on 3 June 1964, in Los Angeles, California, is a renowned American guitarist best known as one of the founding members and lead guitarists of the influential thrash metal band Slayer. With his aggressive playing style, intricate solos, and dark and intense songwriting, King has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal.

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From a young age, Kerry King showed a strong passion for music and began playing guitar in his early teens. Influenced by the likes of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Venom, he gravitated towards the burgeoning thrash metal scene that was gaining momentum in the 1980s.

In 1981, King co-founded Slayer alongside Jeff Hanneman, Tom Araya, and Dave Lombardo. The band's raw energy, fast-paced rhythms, and controversial lyrics set them apart from their contemporaries, and they quickly gained a loyal following. With their debut album, "Show No Mercy" (1983), Slayer established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal world.

Throughout Slayer's career, Kerry King played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound. His aggressive, high-speed riffing, combined with his use of unconventional guitar techniques such as tremolo picking and dissonant chord progressions, became trademarks of the Slayer sound. King's guitar solos, known for their blistering speed and intricate shredding, pushed the boundaries of technicality and set a new standard for metal guitar playing.

Slayer released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Reign in Blood" (1986), "South of Heaven" (1988), "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990), and "God Hates Us All" (2001). These albums solidified Slayer's reputation as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal bands, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

King's stage presence and image were as fierce as his playing. Sporting long hair, covered in tattoos, and often seen wearing spiked armbands and leather, he embodied the essence of heavy metal. His commanding presence on stage, along with his aggressive headbanging and lightning-fast guitar solos, made Slayer's live performances legendary.

In addition to his work with Slayer, Kerry King has collaborated with other musicians over the years, including playing guest solos on albums by bands like Pantera and Marilyn Manson. He also released a signature line of guitars through BC Rich, showcasing his unique style and preferences.

In 2019, Slayer embarked on their farewell tour, titled "The Final Campaign," marking the end of the band's illustrious career. The tour concluded in November 2019, leaving a void in the metal world that will not easily be filled.

Kerry King's impact on the world of heavy metal cannot be overstated. His aggressive playing style, innovative songwriting, and uncompromising attitude have inspired countless guitarists and bands. His contributions to Slayer's discography and his influence on the evolution of thrash metal have secured his place in the world of music history.
Dave Lombardo - Drums

Dave Lombardo (Full-name: David Vincent Lombardo) is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of heavy metal music. Known for his lightning-fast double bass drumming, complex rhythms, and innovative playing style, Lombardo has had a profound impact on the genre, influencing countless drummers and bands over the course of his career.

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Lombardo was born in Havana, Cuba in 1965, but his family moved to Los Angeles when he was just two years old. He began playing drums at a young age and quickly developed a love for heavy metal music, citing bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden as early influences. In the early 1980s, Lombardo co-founded the thrash metal band Slayer along with guitarist Kerry King and vocalist/bassist Tom Araya.

With Lombardo on drums, Slayer quickly became one of the most influential and successful bands in the thrash metal scene. Their 1986 album "Reign in Blood" is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time, featuring Lombardo's lightning-fast drumming and complex rhythms on tracks like "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood." Lombardo's playing on "Reign in Blood" set a new standard for thrash metal drumming and helped cement Slayer's place in heavy metal history.

Lombardo's playing continued to evolve over the years, and he became known for his technical skill, complex rhythms, and ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music. In addition to his work with Slayer, Lombardo has played with a wide range of other artists, including Testament, Fantômas, Grip Inc., and Suicidal Tendencies. He has also collaborated with musicians outside of the heavy metal genre, including avant-garde jazz saxophonist John Zorn.

One of Lombardo's most notable collaborations was with guitarist Mike Patton in the experimental supergroup Fantômas. The band's music was a fusion of heavy metal, avant-garde jazz, and noise rock, and Lombardo's playing was a key component of their sound. His ability to seamlessly transition between different time signatures and rhythms was especially evident in Fantômas' music, and his technical proficiency on the drums was a perfect complement to Patton's experimental vocals.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Lombardo has remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He has been praised by fans, fellow musicians, and critics alike for his technical skill, innovation, and contributions to heavy metal music. In recognition of his achievements, Lombardo was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2016.