#2593 Slayer - Seasons in the Abyss

Reign in Blood's the best metal album of all time, but South of Heaven's sterile production left me cold. This lands somewhere in between - the production's awesomely overwhelming: Araya's vocals aren't as exposed as they were on South, and the waves of chugging drums and guitar are given free reign to ruin. There's bracing start-stops, unexpected shifts, truly melodic moments, all without breaking relentless, menacing stride. It lacks the fire of Reign, but its the closest Slayer'd ever get again 4/5