is the fourth album by band Slayer. Released on July 5, 1988, the album was the bandâs second collaboration with record producer Rick Rubin, whose production skills on Slayerâs previous album Reign in Blood had helped the bandâs sound evolve.
South of Heaven was Slayerâs second album to enter the Billboard 200, and its last to be released by Def Jam Recordings, although the album became an American Recordings album after Rick Rubin ended his partnership with Russell Simmons. It was one of only two Def Jam titles to be distributed by Geffen Records through Warner Bros. Records because of original distributor Columbia Recordsâs refusal to release work by the band. The release peaked at number 57 and in 1992 was awarded a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
In order to offset the pace of the groupâs previous album, Slayer deliberately slowed down the albumâs tempo. In contrast to their previous albums, the band utilized undistorted guitars and toned-down vocals. While some critics praised this musical change, othersâmore accustomed to the style of earlier releasesâwere disappointed. Despite this, the songs âMandatory Suicideâ and the title track became permanent features of the bandâs live setlist.Â
It was also the first album where bassist/vocalist Tom Araya played his bass with a pick rather than with his fingers.
 Tom Araya   Jeff Hanneman   Kerry King   Dave Lombardo
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