Thrashcast Episode 59: Slayer's "Hell Awaits" album
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Thrashcast is the place to find riveting discussions on classic thrash albums, news and reviews. Your hosts are three thrash loving maniacs who grew up during the golden age of the genre. Kenneth, Billy and Jim will get together weekly to bring you a deep dive on some of your favourite thrash records.
Show Notes:
Episode Fifty-Nine: It's always fun when we go back to talk about the big four of American thrash metal. This week we discuss the importance of Slayer's sophomore release Hell Awaits. The album was put out by Metal Blade records on April 8th of 1985, and was produced by Brian Slagel. The songs on this release are raw and sludgy, but back by dark lyrics that pack a big punch.
Hell Awaits relied heavily on lyrical themes of hell and Satan. There's a backwards message on the title track that repeats the phase "Join Us" and this lead to the overall evil feel of the record. Both King and Hanneman were big fans of Mercyful Fate leading to longer and more progressive song writing. It's safe to say this album became very influential upon it's release and it showed how other bands like Angel Corpse, Fleshcrawl, Cradle of Filth and Incantation followed the style.
Fun Facts: The album artwork by Albert Cuellar reveals a scene of skeletal demonic beasts fighting in hell. This was said to be inspired by Heavy Metal magazine; a popular french comic of the 1970's. According to the artist, the piece was put together overnight and it served as a high point on the record.
Kenneth Gallant, HMS
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