"Seasons in the Abyss" is the fifth studio album by the American thrash metal band Slayer. The album was released in 1990, three years after their previous studio album, 'South of Heaven.' It marks their last album to feature the band's original lineup with drummer Dave Lombardo until his return on the band's 2006 album 'Christ Illusion.'
"Seasons in the Abyss" is considered one of Slayer's most successful and widely acclaimed albums. Famous for its distinctive blending of fast, aggressive material with slower, more melodic tracks, the album takes the listener on a rollercoaster ride of heavy metal grit. Notable tracks include "War Ensemble," "Dead Skin Mask," and the title track "Seasons in the Abyss."
The production of the album was mostly handled by Rick Rubin, who had previously worked on Slayer's essential albums. This collaboration with Rubin showcased the unique lyrical themes Slayer was known for, while its diverse music styles set it apart from their previous work. The lyrics explored an array of darker themes, which added depth to the music and reflected the band's growth.
When it was released, "Seasons in the Abyss" received positive reviews from music critics and fans alike. It was also commercially successful, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard 200, and its eponymous single "Seasons in the Abyss" charted on the UK Singles Chart at number 97. The album has since been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and remains a staple in Slayer's discography and the thrash metal genre in general. Its influence can be seen in the works of numerous heavy metal bands that followed.
