Slayer - Hell Awaits
Members:
Tom Araya - Vocals/Bass
Jeff Hanneman - Guitar
Kerry King - Guitar
Dave Lombardo - Drums[/b]
In 1985, Slayer had quickly built up a reputation as the fastest, most unforgiving thrash band yet. They had dumped the make-up and spikes a year ago, but they were still quite menacing onstage. In the past two years they had released 3 albums, although one (Live Undead) was not purposely released by them. "Hell Awaits" was their new album, written mostly by Jeff Hanneman. I have found that I like Hanneman's music a lot more than Kerry's, and this album is definately awesome.
1. Hell Awaits
"Pray to the moon.. when it is round
Death with you shall then abound
For what you seek for can't be found
In sea or sky or underground!"
Hell Awaits is an amazing opener song. The beginning riffs are amazing, and it all boils down to a quick paced thrash riff. The solos on this track are perfect for the song as well. Tom does some growling type stuff on the chorus and the bridge thing (the lyrics above). It is an excellent title track, and one of Slayer's best.
2. Kill Again
"No apparent motive, just kill and kill again.."
This song starts with some cool riffs. It all builds up well for the song, which is a very cool one. I love the way Tom sings the chorus on this song, and I enjoy listening to it/playing it on the guitar very much. Good song.
3. At Dawn They Sleep
"Driven by the instincts of
Centuries of horror
Implanted on the brain of the
Sickening parasite
Linked together by one trait
The hell-born need to kill!"
This song is the first thrash epic ever in my eyes. Hanneman's riff writing is superb on this album, while Jeff, Kerry and Tom all contribute on the lyrics of this song. My favorite part is definately the part I have italicized up there.
4. Praise of Death
This song is probably the only song I don't really like on the album. It has never stood out to me, and I cannot even remember how it goes.. others may like it, but I don't like it that much.
5. Necrophiliac
"Lost souls of the dead
Form legions that burst through hells gates
Death of one sacrifice
To avenge the raped corpse from the grave
Blood of one mortal man
The fire grows stronger within
Fate of a frenzied lust
Lucifer takes my dark soul!"
I LOVE this song. The lyrics are extremely sick, the riffs amazing, the whole feel of the song is just awesome. In fact, Slayer got in trouble with the FCC or whatever for the lyrics in this song, but since when has that stopped anybody? Awesome song, that's for **** sure.
6. Crypts of Eternity
"Darkness covers the world
My kingdom, My domain!"
Awesome song... excellent riffage in this one. Both King and Hanneman contribute to the music of this song. This song, like ADTS, is contributed to by King, Araya, and Hanneman for the lyrics. I love the first solo, by Hanneman... very very cool.
7. Hardening of the Arteries
Excellent song to end the album... 2 minutes of song, then it goes into the beginning riffs from Hell Awaits and fades out accordingly.. excellent way to end the album.
Altogether, I give it a 4.8... not a full 5, but excellent.
