"South of Heaven" is the fourth studio album by American thrash metal band Slayer. Released on July 5, 1988, the album was the band's second collaboration with record producer Rick Rubin, whose production skills on Slayer's previous album Reign in Blood had helped the band's sound evolve.
"South of Heaven" is a monumental album that solidified Slayer's position as one of the pioneering bands in the thrash metal genre. Released on July 5, 1988, this fourth studio album marked the band's continued collaboration with record producer Rick Rubin, whose contribution to Slayer's previous album, "Reign in Blood", had already pushed the boundaries of their sound.
The album's 12" vinyl LP format includes the original Def Jam Recordings custom inner sleeve, which provides album details and complete lyrics for all the songs. This attention to detail showcases Slayer's commitment to delivering a comprehensive listening experience to their fans.
"South of Heaven" became Slayer's second album to enter the prestigious Billboard 200 chart and their last release under the Def Jam Recordings label. Afterward, the album was reissued under the American Recordings label following Rick Rubin's departure from his partnership with Russell Simmons. Distribution of the album was handled by Geffen Records through Warner Bros. Records, as Columbia Records initially refused to release any material by the band. Despite these challenges, the album managed to peak at number 57 on the charts and was later awarded a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1992.
One notable aspect of "South of Heaven" is Slayer's deliberate decision to slow down the tempo compared to their previous works. This change in pace allowed the band to explore new musical territories while retaining their signature aggression and intensity. Undistorted guitars and toned-down vocals replaced the blistering speed and relentless aggression of their earlier albums. This stylistic shift received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. While some praised the band for their musical evolution and willingness to experiment, others, accustomed to Slayer's faster and more aggressive style, expressed disappointment.
Despite the mixed reception, "South of Heaven" introduced two timeless tracks that have become permanent fixtures in Slayer's live performances. "Mandatory Suicide" and the album's title track continue to captivate audiences with their powerful riffs, haunting melodies, and intense lyrical themes. These songs showcase Slayer's ability to create dark, thought-provoking music that resonates with listeners on a visceral level.
The album's production team, led by Rick Rubin, played a crucial role in capturing Slayer's sound and vision. Sound engineers Andy Wallace, Bill Freesh, and the late Steven Ettinger (1952-2008) worked tirelessly to achieve the desired sonic impact, while Howie "Iron" Weinberg handled the mastering engineering process. The result is a meticulously crafted album that showcases the band's musical prowess and the distinctive atmosphere of their sound.
In terms of album design, Larry W. Carroll's illustration and photography add a visual dimension that complements the music's darkness and intensity. The cover art creates a sense of foreboding and sets the stage for the auditory journey that awaits the listener.
Def Jam Recordings / Geffen Records 924 203 (924203) , 1988 , Made in EEC
"South of Heaven" is a significant entry in Slayer's discography. It showcases the band's ability to evolve while staying true to their roots, pushing the boundaries of the thrash metal genre and leaving an indelible mark on the history of heavy music.
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Music Genre:Speed Thrash Metal Music |
Album Production Information:Produced by Rick Rubin Rick Rubin, born Fredrick Jay Rubin on 10 March 1963, is a renowned American music producer, record label executive, and entrepreneur. He is widely recognized for his immense contributions to the music industry, particularly in the genre of thrash metal. Rubin's innovative production techniques and keen ear for sound have shaped the careers of numerous legendary artists, including Danzig, Metallica, and Slayer. Born in Long Beach, New York, Rubin developed a deep passion for music from a young age. Growing up in a diverse cultural environment, he was exposed to a wide range of musical genres, which greatly influenced his later work. In his teenage years, Rubin immersed himself in the vibrant New York punk rock scene, attending shows and embracing the rebellious spirit of the movement. Rubin's foray into the music industry began in the early 1980s when he co-founded Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons. The label quickly gained prominence and became one of the most influential hip-hop imprints of its time. Rubin's keen ability to recognize emerging talent led him to work with iconic rap acts such as Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Beastie Boys, among others. His production style, characterized by stripped-down beats and minimalist arrangements, revolutionized the hip-hop genre and earned him widespread acclaim. In the mid-1980s, Rubin's diverse musical tastes led him to explore the realms of heavy metal and hard rock. He founded Def American Recordings (later renamed American Recordings) as an avenue to work with artists from these genres. It was during this time that Rubin forged a partnership with thrash metal giants such as Danzig, Metallica, and Slayer. Rubin's work with Danzig resulted in the band's self-titled debut album in 1988, which showcased their raw energy and gothic sensibilities. His production brought a clarity and intensity to their sound, solidifying their position as one of the pioneering acts of dark, heavy music. His collaboration with Metallica on their critically acclaimed fifth studio album, "Metallica" (commonly known as "The Black Album"), is regarded as one of his most significant achievements. Released in 1991, the album showcased a more accessible sound while retaining the band's heavy roots. Rubin's guidance in songwriting and production helped Metallica achieve commercial success while maintaining their artistic integrity. Rubin's involvement with Slayer began in 1986 when he produced their landmark album, "Reign in Blood". The record, known for its breakneck speed and intense lyrical themes, is often regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. Rubin continued to collaborate with Slayer on subsequent albums, including "South of Heaven" (1988) and "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990), solidifying his status as a go-to producer for the band. Throughout his career, Rubin's production style has been marked by his ability to capture the essence and raw power of the artists he works with. His minimalist approach, combined with a relentless pursuit of sonic perfection, has garnered him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. Beyond his work in thrash metal, Rick Rubin has collaborated with artists from a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, country, and folk. Some of his notable collaborations include projects with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Adele, and Kanye West, among many others. Rick Rubin's influence on the music industry extends far beyond his role as a producer. His entrepreneurial ventures, such as the co-founding of Def Jam Recordings and his involvement with American Recordings, have left an indelible mark on the business side of music. Rubin's career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to artistic integrity and his innate ability to shape and redefine genres. Andy Wallace - Sound Engineer Andy Wallace is an American sound engineer who has made significant contributions to the metal and rock music genres. He gained prominence primarily in the 1980s and 1990s and is widely recognized for his work on albums by Slayer and Sepultura. During the 1980s, Andy Wallace was involved in engineering and mixing various albums for Slayer, a legendary thrash metal band. He worked on their critically acclaimed releases such as "Reign in Blood" (1986) , "South of Heaven" (1988) , and "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990) . These albums are considered landmarks in the genre and helped shape the sound of extreme metal. In the 1990s, Andy Wallace continued to make his mark in the metal scene, working with Brazilian metal band Sepultura . He served as the engineer and mixer for their influential album "Chaos A.D". (1993). This record showcased a fusion of thrash and groove metal, helping Sepultura expand their musical boundaries and gain international recognition. Wallace's engineering skills contributed to the album's powerful and heavy sound. Besides Slayer and Sepultura, Andy Wallace has worked with numerous other renowned bands and artists across various genres. His extensive discography includes collaborations with acts like Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Alice in Chains, Faith No More, System of a Down, Slipknot, and many more. Andy Wallace's expertise lies in capturing the raw energy and aggression of heavy music while maintaining clarity and balance in the mix. His engineering and mixing techniques have had a lasting impact on the metal and rock music scenes, earning him a reputation as one of the industry's top sound engineers
Bill Freesh - Sound Engineer Steven Ettinger (1952-2008) - Sound Engineer "Steve Ett" shortname for "Steve Ettinger" in-house sound engineer at "Chung King House of Metal", New York City Howie "Iron" Weinberg - Mastering Engineer Howie Weinberg is a highly renowned and respected mastering engineer in the music industry. With a career spanning over four decades, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the sound and quality of numerous iconic albums. Born on 14 September 14, 1953, in New York City, Howie's passion for music began at a young age. In the early 1970s, Weinberg embarked on his journey into the music industry, starting as an assistant engineer at Masterdisk, a leading mastering studio in New York City. Under the guidance of accomplished engineers like Bob Ludwig and Greg Calbi, Howie honed his skills and gained invaluable experience working with a diverse range of artists and genres. Throughout the 1980s, Weinberg emerged as a prominent figure in the industry, known for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to mastering. His ability to enhance the sonic qualities of recordings and optimize their playback on various formats made him highly sought after by both established and emerging artists. One of the pivotal moments in Howie Weinberg's career came when he collaborated with renowned producer Rick Rubin on the Beastie Boys' groundbreaking album "Licensed to Ill" in 1986. The success of the album further solidified Howie's reputation as an exceptional mastering engineer. This led to a fruitful partnership with Rubin, and they worked together on a string of influential albums, including releases by Slayer, Public Enemy, and Johnny Cash. Weinberg's remarkable talent for mastering became evident in his ability to capture the essence of an artist's vision while adding his expertise to create a polished and dynamic final product. His work on Nirvana's iconic album "Nevermind" in 1991 is a testament to his ability to bring out the best in a recording, with his mastering contributing to the album's raw energy and sonic impact. Over the years, Howie Weinberg has collaborated with a wide array of artists and bands from various genres, including U2, The White Stripes, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. His discography boasts an extensive list of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, solidifying his position as one of the most influential mastering engineers of his time. In 1995, Howie Weinberg opened his own mastering studio, Howie Weinberg Mastering, in Los Angeles. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a deep understanding of the mastering process, the studio became a go-to destination for artists seeking the highest level of audio quality for their projects. Throughout his career, Weinberg has been recognized with numerous accolades, including several Grammy nominations and wins for his exceptional contributions to the music industry. He is highly respected by his peers and has been a mentor to many aspiring mastering engineers, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation. Howie Weinberg's unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to elevate the sonic experience of countless albums have solidified his position as a true master of his art. His meticulous attention to detail, technical expertise, and passion for music continue to shape the industry and inspire generations of mastering engineers to strive for excellence. Larry W. Carroll - Illustration, Photography |
Record Label:Def Jam Recordings / Geffen Records 924 203 (924203) |
Packaging: This album includes the original Def Jam Recordings custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Slayer |
Record Format12" Vinyl LP |
Year and Country: 1988 Made in EEC |
Band Members and Musicians on: Slayer South of Heaven |
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Track Listing of: Slayer South of Heaven |
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "SLAYER South of Heaven" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "SLAYER South of Heaven" |
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Inner Sleeve of "SLAYER South of Heaven" Album |
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Inner Sleeve Photo of "SLAYER South of Heaven" Album |
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Record Label Photo of "SLAYER South of Heaven" 12" LP Record - Side One: |
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Record Label Photo of "SLAYER South of Heaven" 12" LP Record - Side Two: |
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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 ) |
The Band Members
The original lineup consisted of Tom Araya on vocals and bass, Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman on guitars, and Dave Lombardo on drums. Lombardo left the band several times throughout their career, with Paul Bostaph and Jon Dette filling in on drums for various periods. Gary Holt of Exodus also filled in for Hanneman after his death in 2013.
The Music
Slayer's music is often characterized by fast, aggressive riffs, double bass drumming, and Araya's distinctive vocal style. The band has released twelve studio albums, with their most successful being "Reign in Blood" (1986), which is widely regarded as one of the greatest thrash metal albums of all time. Other notable albums include "South of Heaven" (1988), "Seasons in the Abyss" (1990), and "God Hates Us All" (2001).
The Controversy
Slayer has often courted controversy throughout their career due to their use of violent and graphic imagery, as well as their exploration of taboo subjects. The band has been accused of promoting Satanism and encouraging violence, leading to protests and calls for boycotts. In particular, their 1985 album "Hell Awaits" was the subject of much controversy due to its Satanic themes and cover art, which depicted a Hellish landscape with demonic creatures.
The Legacy
Despite the controversy, Slayer's influence on the metal genre cannot be denied. The band has been credited with helping to create and popularize thrash metal, alongside bands like Metallica and Megadeth. Their music has influenced countless metal bands that have followed in their wake, with their aggressive riffs and fast-paced drumming becoming hallmarks of the thrash metal sound. The band's high-energy live performances have also become legendary, with fans often describing them as some of the most intense and memorable shows they have ever seen.
The End of an Era
In 2018, Slayer announced that they would be embarking on a final world tour, bringing an end to their legendary career. The tour, dubbed "The Final Campaign", was intended to give fans a chance to see the band one last time before they called it quits. The tour concluded in November 2019 with a final show in Los Angeles, marking the end of an era for thrash metal fans worldwide.
The Conclusion
Slayer's impact on the metal genre is immeasurable. The band's aggressive music and controversial themes have made them a lightning rod for criticism and debate, but their influence on the thrash metal sound is undeniable. With their final tour now completed, Slayer has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal, and their legacy will continue to inspire and influence metal fans for generations to come.