Título: Slayer
Seção: South of Heaven and Seasons in the Abyss (1988-1993)
Background: Slayer is an American thrash metal band from Huntington Park, California. The band was formed in 1981 by vocalist/bassist Tom Araya and guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman. Slayer's fast and aggressive musical style made them one of the founding "big four" bands of thrash metal, alongside Metallica, Megadeth and Anthrax. Slayer's current lineup comprises King, Araya, drummer Paul Bostaph and guitarist Gary Holt.

Conteúdo: In late 1987, Slayer returned to the studio to record their fourth studio album. To contrast the speed of Reign in Blood, the band consciously decided to slow down the tempos, and incorporate more melodic singing. According to Hanneman, "We knew we couldn't top Reign in Blood, so we had to slow down. We knew whatever we did was gonna be compared to that album, and I remember we actually discussed slowing down. It was weird--we've never done that on an album, before or since."  Released in July 1988, South of Heaven received mixed responses from both fans and critics, although it was Slayer's most commercially successful release at the time, debuting at number 57 on the Billboard 200, and their second album to receive gold certification in the United States. Press response to the album was mixed, with AllMusic citing the album as "disturbing and powerful," and Kim Nelly of Rolling Stone calling it "genuinely offensive satanic drivel." King said "that album was my most lackluster performance," although Araya called it a "late bloomer" which eventually grew on people.  Slayer returned to the studio in spring 1990 with co-producer Andy Wallace to record its fifth studio album. Following the backlash created by South of Heaven, Slayer returned to the "pounding speed of Reign in Blood, while retaining their newfound melodic sense." Seasons in the Abyss, released on October 25, 1990, was the first Slayer album to be released under Rubin's new Def American label, as he had parted way

user: What was Slayer's greatest accomplishment from 1988-1993?

assistant: South of Heaven received mixed responses from both fans and critics, although it was Slayer's most commercially successful release at the time,

user: What controversy was mentioned during this time?

assistant: AllMusic citing the album as "disturbing and powerful," and Kim Nelly of Rolling Stone calling it "genuinely offensive satanic drivel."

user: Did their popularity grow as much as other metal bands?

assistant: Slayer returned as a live act in September 1990 to co-headline the European Clash of the Titans tour with Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, and Testament.

user: Any other important bands that they toured with?

assistant: the tour was extended to the US beginning in May 1991, with Megadeth, Anthrax and opening act Alice in Chains.

user: Where else did the band tour?

assistant: Slayer made its debut appearance with Bostaph at the 1992 Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington.

user: Did any of the band members leave during this time?

assistant: In May 1992, Lombardo quit the band due to conflicts with other members, as well as his desire to be off tour for the birth of his first child.