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South of Heaven
Metal · 1988 · 10 tracks

South of Heaven

Slayer

July 5, 1988 · American Recordings

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South of Heaven is the sound of a predator slowing down to savor the hunt.

After the breakneck velocity of their previous work, Slayer opted for a more sinister, atmospheric approach that emphasizes weight over speed. The result is an album that feels significantly more menacing because it gives the listener time to process the horror.

The riffs are massive and deliberate, often built around descending chromatic scales that evoke a feeling of falling into an abyss. It is the most 'musical' Slayer record, yet it remains one of their most unsettling.

Tracklist · 10 Tracks
01
South of Heaven
4:57
02
Silent Scream
3:06
03
Live Undead
3:49
04
Behind the Crooked Cross
3:14
05
Mandatory Suicide
4:02
06
Ghosts of War
3:53
07
Read Between the Lies
3:20
08
Cleanse the Soul
3:01
09
Dissident Aggressor
2:35
10
Spill the Blood
4:48
Moments Worth Listening For
The opening title track's descending chromatic riff that builds tension for two minutes before the drums kick in.
Tom Araya's transition from a melodic croon to a piercing scream during the bridge of 'Spill the Blood'.
The mechanical, double-bass precision of Dave Lombardo during the breakdown in 'Silent Scream'.
Reviews

Also reviewed byAllMusicbigdumbskulls.com

Where This Album DepartsEach spoke is a trait. The orange shape shows where this album pulls away from — or holds to — the rest of the artist’s catalogue. Tap for more.

How does South of Heaven sound next to the rest of Slayer's catalogue?

MOONRGLYRPROVOC

This album stays in step with the catalogue across the board — no axis departs enough to be worth its own note. Hover the dots to see where each one sits.

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