VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Hell
At Last: A Tribute to Slayer" (Oracle / DMG Records; 2003)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
One might think that Slayer would be one of the hardest bands out there to cover. Their rapid-fire rhythms, growling vocals and attitude of brimming evil are still pretty much unmatched even today.
Still, "Hell At Last" is pretty successful overall. The bands hereon (listed below) manage to cover Slayer tunes rather well, capturing most of the legendary band's fury and atmosphere.
An exception might be Acerbus's version of "Angel of Death," which is definitely unique but will probably have most long-time Slayer fans pulling their hair out by the handful.
With its ratio of successful tunes versus unsuccessful tunes, "Hell At Last" is an above-average tribute album. Does that mean you must have it in your collection? No. Not really. But it does mean it's worth more than a passing listen if you can find an inexpensive enough copy.
Track Listing:
1. Nephasth - War Ensemble
2. Diabolic - Gemini
3. Oni - Altar of Sacrifice
4. Deteriorot - Read Between the Lies
5. Serberus - Ghost of War
6. Evil Incarnate - Piece By Piece
7. Universe Eye - South of Heaven
8. Mictlantechutli - Cryonics
9. Engrave - Evil Has No Boundaries
10. Nokturne L.A. - Raining Blood
11. Acerbus - Angel of Death
12. Enraged - Black Magic
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
