Metal Reviews

Slayer's output in the 80's ranks as some of the most venerated albums in thrash and eighties metal, yet I have always wondered why is Hell Awaits seldom mentioned among the names of Reign in blood and South of Heaven? While Show no Mercy and Haunting the Chapel are unique in their own right, the material on Hell Awaits seems to be in its own universe with its own dark atmosphere, making it one of the more unique albums in Slayer's back catalog. Yet why is it never mentioned by those who laud their other albums, is it due to the production, heavier riffing, or just the fact that it lacks the shortness of Reign in blood? What in your opinion separates the album from Slayer's other classics, and what could the band have done better to have made it less overlooked?

Because it's the less-awesome album of 80s Slayer. Many bands have known a lesser second album, they put a lot of time and effort on the first (time to get a deal) and a lot less on the second resulting in inferior (because it was rushed) songwriting. That's the case with Hell Awaits.

then Hell Awaits is the best rushed thrash album ever, ever.

Probably Devy, probably.
Nice new avatar by the way.

time for a change

I'd say its in part due to the bad production and the fact it came after the infamous Reign in blood. A lot of the songs have many more riffs than your average Slayer album, and it has a tangible darker atmosphere than their other work. I think its a great album that I hadn't enjoyed for the longest time.

before?

Hell Awaits (Praise Of Death, Necrophiliac, two of their best tracks) is only outshined by Show No Mercy out of their entire discography. Reign In Blood I always felt was way overrated, even in comparison to South Of Heaven.

show no mercy is fucking epic

Hell Awaits is phenomenal. Songs like Necrophilliac and At Dawn They Sleep are classics. Truly an evil and brooding album.


Slayer don't lose me until the shittactular Diabolous In Musica (have never listened to Undisputed Attitude despite listening to Slayer since mid-1990s).

I've listened to Hell Awaits a couple of times over the last few days and it's brilliant. I had forgotten how good it is. Easily in the top 2 Slayer albums (along with Show No Mercy).

Hell Awaits is my second favorite Slayer album, and the only thing I would change is the production.

I agree with the last few posts.. Honestly I think Hell Awaits is also my favorite right after Show no Mercy as well... And I cant agree more that Reign in Blood is a good cd, but nowhere as enjoyable as these two...