Slayer - Seasons In The Abyss
1990 Def American Recordings
by Uncle Meat

Quick Summary:
Well, well.  This is “the” Slayer disc.  All of Slayer’s previous albums had been about one thing: speed (With the possible exception of South of Heaven).  So this album was a bit of a shocker.  You still get the trademark Slayer hyper-riffing.  Same all out attack on the drums. Some unholy/I’m coming to kill you lyrics.

However on certain songs Slayer tone the speed down.  The songs are still powerful, just not “in-your-face.”  Some of the songs are more of a mid-tempo thrash (Expendable Youth).  The title track even has *gasp* melody.  As always with any Slayer record you will get the trademark Slayer solo, as well.  The last great disc Slayer put out.

Website:  www.slayer.net

Song Summaries:

1. War Ensemble - Great opener.  The riff is right in your face.  Excellent all around.  B+
2. Blood Red - Nothing to get worked up about.  Standard thrasher.  C 
3. Spirit In Black - Great lyrics.  Nice cymbal work from Mr. Lombardo.  B
4. Expendable Youth - Silly lyrics. T he song is too straight forward (If you know what I mean).  Nothing very exciting.  Perhaps the most “plain” song on the disc.  C
5. Dead Skin Mask - The opening notes of the song, along with the cymbal hit, give this song the very creepy presence it deserves.  Creepy lyrics as well.  A- 
6. Hallowed Point - Another classic Slayer.  Fast, furious and violent.  A+ 
7. Skeletons Of Society - Mid-tempo masterpiece.  Nice drum fills.  The verse riffs are particularly good.  B+ 
8. Temptation - Along the lines of Hallowed Point.  The song slows down after the verses but is never dull.  B
9. Born Of Fire - The beginning sounds like a mess.  Once Tom’s voice kicks in the song straightens out.  B- 
10. Seasons In The Abyss - Highlight of the disc for me.  Moody opening, great built-up, then that verse.  Once the verses kicks in you know that it is going to be great.  A+

Average Song Rating:  B+
Overall Album Rating:  B+

Also be sure to read:
Slayer - Christ Illusion by Skin Splitter & Horatio
Slayer - Decade Of Aggression by Horatio
Slayer - Diabolus In Musica by Horatio
Slayer - Divine Intervention by Horatio
Slayer - God Hates Us All by Horatio
Slayer - Reign In Blood by Horatio
Slayer - Show No Mercy by Uncle Meat & Shev
Slayer - Undisputed Attitude by Horatio
Fantômas - Suspended Animation by Lamp
Grip Inc. - The Power of Inner Strength by Horatio
Straight To Hell:  A Tribute To Slayer by Shev

Discography (last updated 8.29.06):
Show No Mercy - 1983
Haunting The Chapel EP - 1984
Live Undead - 1984
Hell Awaits - 1985
Reign In Blood - 1986
South Of Heaven - 1988
Seasons In The Abyss - 1990
Decade Of Aggression - 1991
Divine Intervention - 1994
Live Intrusion EP - 1995
Serenity In Murder EP - 1995
split 7" with T.S.O.L. - 1996
Undisputed Attitude - 1996
Diabolus In Musica - 1998
Ubernoise:  The Interview - 1998
God Hates Us All - 2001
Soundtrack To The Apocalypse box - 2003
Christ Illusion - 2006
Cult 7" single - 2006
Eternal Pyre EP - 2006