In my last review, I discussed how much I enjoyed Slayer's classic debut record, "Show No Mercy". That was a awesome slab of thrash, but THIS is just on a whole new level! Slayer's follow-up "Hell Awaits" certainly raised the bar higher than it could go, with even more Mercyful Fate influence and stronger songwriting. The riffs are more varied, and Tom Araya's vocals are even more dark and sinister than the previous record. In my eyes, this is Slayer's undisputed masterpiece, and one that would never be topped.
The production is even more grittier and more evil sounding than "Show No Mercy". The atmosphere is truly diabolical, very dark and hellish. The guitar tone perfectly captures this imagery, with Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman's razor sharp riffs and solos. Tom Araya's bass is audible as audible can be, this is how you mix the bass on a record! His bass lines shine throughout, and they are amazing. Araya has always been one of my favorite thrash bassists. His vocal performance here is the best vocal performance he has ever done on any Slayer record. His vocals resemble that of a tortured soul suffering the most barbaric torture imaginable! Dave Lombardo is amazing as usual, with his lightning fast drumming and creative fills. You also can't forget his remarkable double bass!
As for the record itself, the opening begins the whole listening experience with some of the most demonic voices played backwards. These voices if played backwards continue to repeat "Join us". Then, a voice resembling that of Satan himself proclaims "WELCOME BACK". The chaotic riffing of "Hell Awaits" soon follows, and Araya's barks out the vocals with rapid fire intensity. The title track is truly a classic, easily in the top 5 Slayer tracks of all time. The voice that growls "HELL AWAITS" is quite possibly the beginnings of death metal.
My favorite track on this record however is the creepy "At Dawn They Sleep" which is about vampires, this song from what I can recall is Dave Lombardo's personal favorite Slayer song. The opening is as creepy as creepy gets. The haunting melody then leads into amazing riffs, and this section of the song is quite possibly the best example of Araya's bass talents. The solos on this track in particular are the best solos Hanneman and King have ever done. This track is essential listening. "Necrophiliac" has some incredible riffs, especially during the opening. I have always thought this track was a precursor to "Necrophobic" from "Reign In Blood". Anyways, this is a awesome track too!
This record is by far Slayer's most ambitious and progressive. I really wish Slayer did more albums like this, because this easily blows away any of their later stuff with maybe the exception of "Reign In Blood". The song structures are complex, the riffs are heavy, the solos are varied and aren't just whammy bar wankery, the bass is audible, the Araya's vocals are at their peak, and Lombardo's drumming is on point. These 7 tracks will drag you through the fiery depths of hell, I highly recommend this to fans of Venom, Mercyful Fate, Exodus, Dark Angel, and Exumer.
Track List :
1. Hell Awaits2. Kill Again
3. At Dawn They Sleep
4. Praise of Death
5. Necrophiliac
6. Crypts of Eternity
7. Hardening of the Arteries
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