Slayer - Seasons in the Abyss (review)

Seasons in the Abyss

review

by Fausto Chavez


When I first heard this album as a teenager I was disappointed because it was not blistering fast like 'Reing in ...' Now as an adult, I listen to this album often, and think it's one of their very best efforts. There is so much creativity and intelligence here. Some of their best solo's are found on this album, for instance, the last solo on 'Seasons' is amazing. There is no weak song on this album, even my least favorite song here 'Blood Red' earns praise from me for its unique-in-the-world-of-metal topic on political oppression in communist countries. 'Expendable Youth' is a breathtaking discourse on gang rivalries and their violent consequences. The album begins and ends with two memorable epics: 'War Ensemble' and 'Seasons in the Abyss--two of the best songs they ever wrote and both have aged well. The production is another high point, Andy Wallace makes everything crisp, clear and well balanced. A watershed masterpiece in metal.

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