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This is Slayers 5th (studio) album. It was recorded in 1989 and released in 1990. It was released through Def American Records. 

Although the album starts off quite fast with the song War Ensemble, it slows down as it goes through. With more chanting, melodic growth and a much slower pace. Alot of the songs such as; Dead skin mask, Seasons in the abyss and Skeletons of society. Really show that slower pace and chanting.

The CD still contains typical thrash metal riffs and fast drum beats. Living up to Slayers original style. The slower songs on the CD are somewhat a relief after listening to such fast guitar riffs and drum beats.

War Ensemble - A very fast song typical thrash metal showing thrash metal at some of its finest. This is the opening track. And opens the CD well. Although I would not rate this track as one of the best on the CD it is perfect to begin the CD with.

Blood Red - Begins with drums mostly and some guitar. Lyrics start about 30 seconds in. With singing then guitar repeated. The singing is good. And the guitar follows a good beat.

Spirit In Black - Starts with a guitar solo, and drums in between. Lyrics start about 17 seconds in. A guitar solo begins about halfway through. It slows down to another guitar solo and then speeds right up.

Expendable Youth - Begins with drums and guitar in tune making a foot tapping beat. The lyrics begin about 50 seconds in. And the singing is very slow along with the opening. About 3 quarters way through a guitar solo starts.

Dead Skin Mask - Dead skin mask is one of the slowest songs on the CD. But is still great. It starts off with guitar and a very slow drum beat in the background. About 20 seconds in talking starts. It then speeds up to a stable beat. And slow singing starts.

Hallowed Point - Another fast track a bit like war ensemble. Very fast drum beat and guitar riffs. After listening to Dead Skin Mask. It is a very speedy track.

Skeletons Of Society - A pretty slow song. One of the slowest. It begins with steady drums and a steady guitar riff. Slow singing or chanting beginning about 40 seconds in.

Temptation - A very fast intro with lyrics beginning about 10 seconds in. As he sings or is about to sing, the same lyrics are echoed.

Born Of Fire - One of the worst tracks on the disc, in my opinion. A very fast song. The lyrics are pretty boring. And it is very repetitive.

Seasons In The Abyss - A VERY slow start. Singing does not start until 2:20. The singing and the guitar and drum beat are very slow. The song goes for 6:27. But is the perfect ending track. It repeats the lyrics:

Close Your Eyes
Look Deep In Your Soul
Step Outside Yourself
And Let Your Mind Go

These lyrics are chanted very slowly throughout the song.

Overall, this is one of Slayers best releases (although there are better ones). And if you’re not a huge fan of thrash metal or Slayers faster releases, then this is perfect for you. If you’re looking for a really fast album, I recommend getting another slayer album like Reign In Blood, Divine Intervention or Hell Awaits.

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