SLAYER - Haunting the Chapel 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Canadian Release on Banzai Records

Slayer's 1984 EP "Haunting the Chapel" showcased their evolving thrash metal sound with tracks like "Chemical Warfare." Despite sharing the same haunting cover as the US release, the Canadian Banzai 12" Vinyl LP edition holds collector's appeal. Distributed by Banzai Records, it became sought after among metal enthusiasts, adding a unique chapter to Slayer's influential legacy in the Canadian music scene.

High Resolution Photo #1 SLAYER Haunting Chapel Canada

"Haunting the Chapel" Album Description:

In the realm of heavy metal, Slayer stands as a formidable force, and one of their iconic releases, "Haunting the Chapel," holds a special place in the hearts of metal enthusiasts. This article delves into the creation history of this masterpiece and its unique presence in the Canadian Banzai 12" Vinyl LP format.

Slayer, formed in 1981 in Huntington Park, California, rose to prominence with their aggressive thrash metal sound and dark, intense lyrics. "Haunting the Chapel," an extended play (EP) released in 1984, marked a crucial point in their career. The EP showcased Slayer's evolving musical style, laying the foundation for their later seminal albums.

The creation of "Haunting the Chapel" was spurred by the band's desire to push the boundaries of thrash metal. Recorded at Prairie Sun Recording Studios in Cotati, California, the EP was produced by Slayer alongside Ron Fair. It featured three tracks: "Chemical Warfare," "Captor of Sin," and the title track "Haunting the Chapel." Each song exuded the band's signature ferocity, characterized by rapid guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and visceral vocals.

The Canadian release on the Banzai label added a distinctive element to the album's history. Banzai Records, a Canadian independent record label specializing in heavy metal, played a crucial role in bringing Slayer's music to the Canadian audience. The Banzai 12" Vinyl LP format became a sought-after collector's item for enthusiasts who appreciated both the music and the unique presentation.

The influence of "Haunting the Chapel" extended far beyond its initial release, shaping the landscape of thrash metal and inspiring countless bands in the genre. The Canadian Banzai 12" Vinyl LP, with its distinctive design and sonic intensity, became a coveted piece among collectors and fans of Slayer alike.

Music Genre: 

Thrash Metal 

Album Production information:

The album: "SLAYER Haunting the Chapel Canada Banzai" was produced by: Brian Slagel.

  • Brian Slagel – Producer, Record Company Owner Brian Slagel is one of the key architects of modern heavy metal, best known as the founder of Metal Blade Records in 1982. His label helped ignite the careers of bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Mercyful Fate, directly shaping the genre’s underground explosion. As a producer, he worked with Flotsam and Jetsam, Exciter, and Trouble, leaving fingerprints all over the early metal canon.
  • Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Bill Metoyer

  • Bill Metoyer – Producer, Sound Engineer

    Legendary Metal Blade in-house producer who helped define the raw, aggressive sound of 1980s heavy metal.

    Bill Metoyer is a highly influential producer and sound engineer whose work became a cornerstone of American heavy metal in the 1980s. As Vice President and in-house engineer at Metal Blade Records, he was directly responsible for capturing the raw intensity and unpolished power of bands like Slayer, Armored Saint, and Flotsam and Jetsam. His production style favored clarity without sanding off the aggression, helping underground metal sound dangerous, immediate, and unmistakably alive.

  • This album was recorded at: Track Records

    Mastered at Capitol by Eddie Schreyer

    Eddy Schreyer, a top-tier mastering engineer and founder of Oasis Mastering, has shaped the sonic intensity of heavy metal for decades. His expert touch has refined albums by Slayer, Korn, System of a Down, and Slipknot, ensuring powerful clarity and relentless aggression. With over 30 years in the industry, Schreyer remains a key figure in metal production. Read more about Eddy Schreyer.

    Album covert art: Vince Gutierrez

    Vincent Gutierrez (aka Vince Gutierrez) In 1980s drew the artwork for: 3rd Stage Alert, Omen Battle Cry , Slayer - Haunting the Chapel , BITCH - The Bitch is Back

    Album cover concept: Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, Vince Gutierrez

    Record Label:  Banzai BAM 1005  
    Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
    Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  
    Year & Country:  1984 Made in Canada  
    Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SLAYER Haunting the Chapel Canada Banzai
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Tom Araya - Vocals, Bass
    • Tom Araya – Bass Guitar, Vocals Tom Araya , is a legendary bassist and vocalist, best known for his role in Slayer, one of thrash metal’s most influential bands. Joining in 1981, he helped shape their aggressive sound, delivering powerful performances and thought-provoking lyrics. With classic albums like Reign in Blood and Seasons in the Abyss, his impact on metal remains undeniable.
    • Jeff Hanneman - Guitar
    • Jeff Hanneman - Guitars Jeff Hanneman, as a legendary guitarist and founding member of Slayer, one of thrash metal’s most influential bands. His aggressive riffs, dark themes, and songwriting shaped the genre, co-writing classics like Raining Blood and Angel of Death. A fierce performer, his legacy lives on in metal history.
    • Kerry King - Guitar
    • Kerry King – Guitars Kerry King, a pioneering thrash metal guitarist, co-founded Slayer in 1981, shaping the genre with aggressive riffs, blistering solos, and dark, intense songwriting. His signature playing style defined classics like Reign in Blood and cemented Slayer’s place among metal’s elite. With a fierce stage presence and lasting influence, King remains a metal icon.
    • Dave Lombardo - Drums
    • Dave Lombardo – Drums Dave Lombardo, is a legendary drummer, best known for his groundbreaking work with Slayer. Renowned for his lightning-fast double bass drumming and complex rhythms, he helped shape the thrash metal genre. Beyond Slayer, he played with Fantômas, Testament, and Suicidal Tendencies. His technical mastery and innovation have influenced generations of musician
    Complete Track-listing of the album "SLAYER Haunting the Chapel Canada Banzai"

    The detailed tracklist of this record "SLAYER Haunting the Chapel Canada Banzai" is:

      Track-listing Side One:
    1. Chemical Warfare
    2. Captor of Sin
    3. Haunting the Chapel
      Track-listing Side Two:
    1. Black Magic
    2. Die by the Sword
    3. Aggresive Protector
     
    High Resolution Photo #1 SLAYER Haunting Chapel Canada
    Album Back Cover  Photo of "SLAYER Haunting the Chapel Canada Banzai"
     
    High Resolution Photo #2 SLAYER Haunting Chapel Canada  
    Photo of "SLAYER Haunting the Chapel Canada Banzai" 12" LP Record - Side One:
     
    High Resolution Photo #3 SLAYER Haunting Chapel Canada  
    Photo of "SLAYER Haunting the Chapel Canada Banzai" 12" LP Record - Side Two:
     
    High Resolution Photo #4 SLAYER Haunting Chapel Canada  

    Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

     

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